PBA: Converge bounces back, keeps Phoenix winless
Converge FiberXers Alec Stockton during a PBA Philippine Cup game against Phoenix Fuel Masters. –PBA IMAGES
Converge atoned for dropping its opening assignment despite a big lead by beating Phoenix, 92-83, in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Alec Stockton and the frontline duo of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar were among the reasons for the FiberXers barging into the win column after losing to the defending champion Meralco Bolts two nights earlier.
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In that game, Converge raced to a 20-point lead in the opening period and was up six in the fourth before losing 91-89 on Chris Newsome’s game-winning shot.
Schonny Winston and Bryan Santos also produced off the bench in the win that Converge hopes would set itself off on a good track, especially with high expectations following near-semifinal trips in the previous two conferences.
Converge FiberXers’ Justine Baltazar during a PBA Philippine Cup game against Phoenix Fuel Masters. –PBA IMAGES
The FiberXers won before taking on the Magnolia Hotshots on Wednesday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Stockton had 18 points and six rebounds, Baltazar posted nine points and 16 rebounds even as Arana posted 10 points and 10 rebounds for Converge.
READ: PBA: Meralco beats Converge on Chris Newsome’s game-winner
Winston tallied 14 points and eight rebounds with Santos adding 12.
Rookie Kai Ballungay finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds but the Fuel Masters dropped to 0-2.
Veteran forward Jason Perkins missed his second game for Phoenix because of an illness, the team said.
