PBA: Alec Stockton sinks buzzer-beater, Converge stays alive

Alec Stockton celebrates with his teammates after hitting the buzzer-beater to beat San Miguel in Game 3 of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals series.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Alec Stockton hit a stepback jumper at the buzzer and Converge lived to fight another day after escaping powerhouse San Miguel, 114-112, Monday night in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

The FiberXers climbed out of a 27-point hole at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila and turned to Stockton to complete a scintillating comeback for the club’s first-ever playoff win in franchise history.

“You put hope and grit together, you give yourself a chance at winning,” said interim coach Franco Atienza. “At the end of the day, we wanted to put things at a toss coin.”

READ: PBA: Jorge Gallent, San Miguel expect torrid Converge fightback

Stockton, who was nearly thrown out in the opening quarter for elbowing Kris Rosales, finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists.

“Coach told us if we’re going down in this game, we had to go down swinging. We just kept fighting,” said Stockton, the club’s top scorer this conference.

Justin Arana topscored with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while import Jalen Jones had 17 and 14. Bryan Santos chipped in 15 more into the scoring effort, all of which came from three-point land.

READ: PBA: San Miguel nears semis, repeats over Converge

EJ Anosike had 39 points and nine rebounds, while CJ Perez 18 and 10. Marcio Lassiter added 14 more while June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo accounted for 12 each in the loss that should also prick the pride of the dynastic squad, who many thought would sweep the series.

Game 4 is set this Sunday at the same venue.

“We have to be ready for a San Miguel team that’s going to be mad,” said Atienza.