Eager to make a deep playoff run this time, Converge also bolstered its backcourt with the signing of veteran playmaker Gelo Alolino.
Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar look to carry the fight as the Converge FiberXers take on the Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Friday, June 20.
Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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The No. 5 FiberXers face a steep challenge, needing to beat the No. 4 Gin Kings twice to keep their title hopes alive.
But they enter the matchup with confidence, anchored by their Twin Towers, Arana and Baltazar, who were both in the thick of the Best Player of the Conference race at the end of the eliminations.
Looking to tighten up their guard rotation, Converge also added veteran floor general Gelo Alolino ahead of the playoffs. He joins dynamic scorers Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston in the backcourt, giving the FiberXers more playmaking options as they prepare for Ginebra’s playoff-tested core.
In their elimination round encounter, Japeth Aguilar led the way for the Gin Kings and proved to be a matchup problem inside — something Arana and Baltazar must address in their quarterfinal duel.
While Ginebra has reactivated LA Tenorio in time for the postseason, Converge is still waiting on developments regarding the Mikey Williams acquisition, making Alolino’s presence even more critical in their do-or-die quest.
With their size, youth, and grit, the FiberXers aim to turn pressure into performance and extend their season against a Ginebra team with everything — and history — on its side.
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(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]