MANILA – Bryan Santos heated up from the three-point area as Converge FiberXers scored its breakthrough win in the PBA Philippine Cup, taking down the Meralco Bolts, 104-99, on Sunday afternoon at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers gunner connected seven triples to finish with 22 points to go with five rebounds as the FiberXers improved to a 1-8 win-loss slate.
After being down by as much as 11 points in the first half, the FiberXers mounted a huge run in the third quarter behind Santos, King Caralipio, and Justin Arana as they tied the score at 77-all.
Following exchanges of leads between the two teams, Santos broke a 97-all deadlock with a booming triple from the corner with two minutes left. Free throws by Deschon Winston and a basket by JL Delos Santos sealed the win for the FiberXers.
Alec Stockton chipped in 20 points, Arana contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Winston and Delos Santos ended up with 14 and 10 points, respectively, for Converge, which ended its 10-game losing skid since last conference.
“We are excited for this win. Hindi namin iniisip ‘yung eight losses eh. Nasa likod na namin ‘yun,” said FiberXers head coach Aldin Ayo. “The players are motivated; the whole team is motivated to get this first win.”
Chris Newsome led the way with 25 points, Chris Banchero added 20 markers, while Aaron Black and Clifford Hodge ended with 19 and 10 points, respectively, as the Bolts dropped to 3-5.
On Saturday night, Phoenix Fuel Masters (3-5) kept their quarterfinals aspirations alive after a dominant 112-77 win over the NLEX Road Warriors (5-3) over at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
RJ Jazul drilled six three-point conversions to end up with 19 points, rookie center Kenneth Tuffin and Rodolfo Alejandro Jr. made their presence felt with 17 and 16 points, respectively, for the Fuel Masters.
“Simply put, we need a win. I’m very positive naman na things will start going our way. Let’s see, hopefully,” said Fuel Masters head coach Michael Jay Jarin in a post-game interview.
Enoch Valdez led the way with 16 points, Jhan Nermal added 12 markers, while Robert Bolick Jr., Anthony Semerad, Baser Amer, and Dominick Fajardo ended with 11 points each for the Road Warriors./PN
BOX SCORE:
CONVERGE 104 – Santos 22, Stockton 20, Arana 18, Winston 14, Delos Santos 10, Caralipio 9, Maagdenberg 4, Melecio 4, Nieto 2, Vigan-Fleming 1, Fornillos 0.
MERALCO 99 – Newsome 25, Banchero 20, Black 19, Hodge 10, Quinto 9, Caram 6, Bates 5, Pasaol 5, Rios 0, Pascual 0, Maliski 0, Torres 0.
Quarterscores: 23-25, 42-53, 77-77, 104-99.
