MANILA – Converge FiberXers relied on Alec Stockton’s huge game to score a come-from-behind 93-91 victory over Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down by as many as 20 points early in the game, the FiberXers slowly carved their way back before tying the score at 91-all on a three-point play by Cheikh Diallo and a three-pointer by Stockton.
After a missed basket by the Hotshots, Stockton grabbed the defensive rebound before he found teammate Justin Arana unguarded inside for a go-ahead inside conversion with five seconds left.
Stockton finished the match with a near triple-double numbers of 18 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds as the FiberXers notched their second victory in three matches this conference.
Arana led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds, Diallo finished with a double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds, while Kevin Racal also ended up with 10 markers for the FiberXers.
Ricardo Ratliffe tallied 25 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Hotshots, Jerom Lastimosa added 14 markers, while Ian Sangalang and Jerrick Ahanmisi had 12 each as they dropped to a 1-1 mark.
Meanwhile, NorthPort Batang Pier notched their second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after a 113-101 domination of Terrafirma Dyip, which slumped to 0-2 mark.
Arvin Tolentino tallied a triple-double of 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists to be named Player of the Game as the Batang Pier tied Hong Kong Eastern on top with a 2-0 record.
“Just trying to make the right plays, I also make sure not to force things kasi ang gusto nga namin gawin is to distribute the ball and made sure that everyone touches the ball,” Tolentino said in a post-game interview.
Kadeem Jack led the Batang Pier with a double-double of 32 points and 15 rebounds, Fran Yu also had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Joshua Munzon and William Navarro ended with 12 and 10 points, respectively./PN
