MANILA – Converge FiberXers’ maiden victory in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) came right on their second game in the league and at the expense of mighty Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
The FiberXers overhauled an early double-digit deficit to stave off the Hotshots in overtime, 89-82, in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down by as much as 20 points early in the game and by 14 in the fourth period, the FiberXers rode on the hot hands of Maverick Ahanmisi to tie the score at 78-all.
Magnolia regained an 82-78 lead on back-to-back baskets by Ian Sangalang, but Converge send the game into overtime following a split free throw by Jeron Teng and a triple by Regile Ilagan.
The FiberXers opened the extension period with a triple from Ilagan and a teardrop from Ahanmisi for an 87-82 lead. Justin Arana then wrapped up the win with an inside basket with over a minute left in OT.
Ilagan and Ahanmisi both ended with 14 markers apiece, Teng led the FiberXers scoring with 19 markers, while Benedict Adamos contributed 10 as they improved to 1-1.
Sangalang tallied 22 points and nine rebounds, Calvin Abueva and Jiovani Jalalon added 13 markers apiece as the Hotshots suffered its second straight loss in as many games.
In the first game, San Miguel Beermen overcame a slow start to beat NLEX Road Warriors, 100-92, to seize the solo first place in the standing with 2-0 slate.
Down by as much as 11 points in opening half, the Beermen slowly carved its way back in the third period behind Jaymar Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Vic Manuel to take a 78-73 lead.
The Beermen were clinging to an 86-83 lead midway in the fourth quarter before they went on a massive run anchored by back-to-back layups by Perez for its biggest lead of 12 points.
Perez spearheaded the offense for the Beermen with 19 points, while Lassiter reached the PBA’s 1,000 three-pointers made club with his four outside hits to end up with 18 markers.
BOX SCORE:
CONVERGE 89 — Teng 19, Ilagan 14, Ahanmisi 14, Adamos 10, Arana 9, Digregorio 7, Tolomia 6, Murrell 4, Racal 3, Bulanadi 3, Stockton 0, Browne 0, Hill 0, Ambohot 0, Lojera 0.
MAGNOLIA 82 — Sangalang 22, Abueva 13, Jalalon 13, Ahanmisi 12, Dela Rosa 10, Barroca 4, Wong 4, Zaldivar 4, Reavis 0, Corpuz 0.
Quarterscores: 11-16, 35-47, 58-65, 82-82, 89-82./PN
