PBA: Converge pounces on shorthanded Terrafirma

Converge big man Justin Arana bulldozes his way to the basket during a game against Terrafirma at the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Converge feasted on a Terrafirma side that played without its new acquisitions Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel and registered a 116-87 win as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup got underway Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Import Cheick Diallo impressed in his debut with 25 points and 16 rebounds to help lead the FiberXers to a lopsided victory to kick off their campaign after falling one win short of a breakthrough semifinal appearance in the Governors’ Cup.

The FiberXers also won on the night Jordan Heading made his debut after his rights were acquired from the Dyip two weeks ago.

READ: Jordan Heading finally headed to PBA to play for Converge

Heading, taken three years ago by Terrafirma in the special draft for then-members of the Gilas Pilipinas pool, finished with eight points, four rebounds and six assists in almost 24 minutes.

Justine Arana had 16 points and 12 rebounds, Bryan Santos made 12 points and Mike Nieto added 11 for Converge.

Terrafirma absorbed a rough defeat that spoiled the debut of new coach Raymond Tiongco, who was tapped after management decided to end Johnedel Cardel’s long tenure.

Tiongco also had to deal with the cards that he had, with Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel, recently acquired from San Miguel Beer after shipping ace scorer Juami Tiongson and two-way player Andreas Cahilig, missing the opener.

READ: PBA: Terrafirma sends Juami Tiongson to San Miguel

Romeo was in attendance in street clothes while Manuel was said to have been dealing with an undisclosed sickness.

The Dyip are also minus Christian Standhardinger, whose contract is set to expire this week.

Rookie CJ Catapusan topscored for Terrafirma with 13 points while its import Ryan Richards struggled with 10 points and 10 rebounds.