Converge frustrates TNT to boost playoff push

Sports

WITH their flickering playoff hopes on the line, the Converge FiberXers answered the call and hacked out a crucial 97-92 win over the TNT Tropang 5G in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night, April 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Converge started slow and fell behind at the end of the opening period, 15-19. The FiberXers picked up in the second period where they unloaded 28 points while limiting the Tropa to just 11 to erect an 11-point cushion at the half, 41-30.

Unlike in their previous games, Converge kept its composure intact in the endgame to quell TNT’s repeated comeback attempts with former TNT stalwart Mikey Williams sealing the win with crucial hits at the foul line.

It was only Converge’s third win in nine games as it remains in a must-win situation to make it to the next round. Currently sitting at 10th spot, Converge is still outside of the playoff picture as only eight of the 13 teams will advance to the quarterfinal round.

Justin Arana stood his ground against TNT’s super import Bol Bol, leading Converge with 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Juan Gomez de Liano added 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists while Alec Stockton contributed 13 markers, four steals, two rebounds, and two assists as Converge triumphed despite another dismal offensive showing by import Kylor Kelley.

Kelley managed just four points.

Bol turned another high-scoring game with 32 points but TNT fell to 5-3 (win-loss).

THE SCORES:

CONVERGE (97) - Arana 21, Gomez de Liaño 16, Stockton 13, Williams 13, Abueva 9, Muyang 8, Concepcion 6, Kelley 4, Baltazar 3, Policarpio 2, Garcia 2.

TNT (92) - Bol 32, Rosser 14, Heading 13, Pogoy 12, Oftana 12, Nambatac 5, Williams 2, Ferrer 2, Nieto 0, Castro 0, Nava 0, Khobuntin 0, Galinato 0, Aurin 0.QUARTERSCORES: 15-19, 41-30, 69-61, 97-92.(CCM)