PBA: Converge carries streak into playoff duel vs San Miguel

Converge import Jalen Jones.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Converge slipped past Magnolia, 89-82, to extend its winning ways on Monday night, while locking up the No. 3 spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The FiberXers pulled away in the fourth period at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila to end their elimination phase with a 6-4 win-loss record in Group A play.

“It doesn’t end here. Next, we’ll be playing in the playoffs [but] there’s a big challenge on the other side … we understand that things are going to get tougher,” said interim coach Franco Atienza.

READ: PBA: Converge import Scotty Hopson day-to-day with quad injury

Converge braces for a best-of-five duel with mighty San Miguel Beer in the crossover quarterfinals.

Import Jalen Jones showed the way with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Justin Arana had 12 and 12.

Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston both finished with 10 as Converge took a four-game winning streak heading into the knockout phase.

Calvin Abueva had 11 points, while Peter Alfaro chipped in 11 more as the Hotshots settled for a 5-5 finish to their elimination phase, forging a clash with resurgent and Group B leader Rain or Shine.