PBA: Cheick Diallo too much for NLEX, Converge back on track
Converge import Cheick Diallo dunks during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against NLEX.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Cheick Diallo delivered a monster performance for Converge as the FiberXers pulled away late to turn back the NLEX Road Warriors, 102-91, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday night at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Diallo came out to play, rebounding from a lethargic past two games and finishing with 37 points and 18 rebounds that proved too much for NLEX to handle.
Jordan Heading and Alec Stockton also came through in the crunch as the FiberXers staved off the Road Warriors’ fightback, limiting them to just 19 points in the fourth quarter.
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Stockton poured in 16 points to go with five rebounds and four assists, while Heading contributed 14 points that helped snuff out the enemy’s attempts down the stretch.
NLEX import Mike Watkins tallied an impressive 36 points and 23 rebounds, but his Herculean effort wasn’t enough as Converge’s more balanced attack proved decisive. Robert Bolick added 26 markers in a losing effort.
Converge grabbed a double-digit lead early, 28-18, after the opening quarter, only for NLEX to claw back with a strong second frame. But the FiberXers recovered just in time, weathering every NLEX rally before taking full control in the final stretch.
The win brought Converge’s record to an even 3-2, while NLEX slipped in the standings at 3-3.
