Topscorer Alec Stockton chose to share the credit with rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño, who steered Converge's offense against Phoenix, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Saturday, Oct. 26.
In a team loaded with offensive weapons, it was Alec Stockton’s turn to emerge as Player of the Game Saturday night, Oct. 25.
Just days after rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño dazzled with his second triple-double, Stockton seized the spotlight as Converge hacked out a 128-114 win over Phoenix in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Stockton turned in 22 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. He also had three rebounds and two assists.
As impressive as his showing was, Stockton chose to share the credit with his teammates, particularly Gomez de Liaño, who issued 12 assists.
“Special shoutout to my teammates, they were finding me. Without them, I wouldn’t be getting my shots; especially Juan, he’s finding me there,” Stockton said after the match at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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Juan Gomez de Liaño posts double-double
Aside from orchestrating Converge's offense, Gomez de Liaño also produced 19 points, continuing his stellar showing.
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Juan Gomez de Liaño logs a double-double for Converge in its match against Phoenix. | Photo: PBA Images
Schonny Winston submitted 17 points and seven assists, while the twin towers of Justin Arana (17-7-3) and Justine Baltazar (13-12) also delivered as expected as the FiberXers crowded the first spot alongside Magnolia and TNT with their identical 3-1 records.
“We stuck to the system. We stuck to the game plan. We came out with the W,” said Stockton.
Big games from Converge's youthful core were necessary as they cruised to an early 18-point lead.
Phoenix later retaliated behind Ricci Rivero to bring it down to eight, 112-104, with 5:18 remaining in the match.
But Gomez de Liaño started regaining control of the steering wheel, making things happen for Converge.
Even with Rivero posting a career-high of 23 points, there was just nothing the Fuel Masters could do from there.
Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 27 points, two rebounds and three assists.
The team slipped to a 1-3 tally.
Converge vs Phoenix Scores:
CONVERGE 128 – Stockton 22, Gomez de Liano 19, Winson 17, Arana 17, Baltazar 13, Garcia 11, Concepcion 9, Clemente 5, Racal 5, Suerte 3, Delos Santos 3, Eguilos 2, Muyang 2, Javillonar 0, Santos 0
PHOENIX 114 – Perkins 27, Rivero 23, Ballungay 21, Tio 14, Tuffin 8, Nelle 7, Taha 3, Manganti 3, Jazul 3, Ando 2, Santos 2, Daves 1, Kwekuteye 0, Caperal 0
Quarterscores: 31-18, 64-30, 98-85, 128-114
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.