Converge scored a seventh win to improve its chances of clinching a playoff incentive in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Converge coach Delta Pineda could only heave a sigh of relief after his charges prevailed in a thrilling 107-95 overtime win over NLEX in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Dec. 17.
“Nakaka-stress po,” said Pineda with a smile during the post-game presser at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
The FiberXers erased a five-point deficit in the final three minutes of regulation before seizing control in the extra time as they chalked up a seventh win in 11 games.
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Justine Baltazar produced career highs in points (25) and rebounds (24) as Converge took solo fourth behind Rain or Shine, San Miguel and TNT.
The 6-foot-8 cager also had four assists and two blocks.
Rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño also posted his third triple-double behind his 20 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
Justin Arana contributed 19 markers, nine of which in the extension.
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“First quarter to fourth quarter, parang 'yong kumpiyansa ng mga bata, hindi kagaya noong ibang games,” said Pineda.
“Kaya talagang pinilit naming buhayin ang kumpiyansa nila. With God’s help, talagang ibinigay sa’min ang overtime.”
Down 77-82 with under three minutes remaining in the fourth period, the FiberXers clamped down on defense and converted eight straight points to snatch the lead at 85—82.
A back-and-forth battle ensued, but NLEX's Jonnel Policarpio capped it with a Hail Mary from the four-point line as time expired to send the game into overtime.
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But it was all Converge from there as it opened the extra period with a quick 8-0 tear, capped by Juan Gomez de Liaño’s four-pointer, that snuffed out the Road Warriors.
Kevin Alas paced NLEX with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Xyrus Torres had 16 points despite going 0-for-6 from the three-point line.
The Road Warriors slid to eighth at 6-5.
Converge vs. NLEX Scores:
CONVERGE 107 – Baltazar 25, Gomez de Liano 20, Arana 19, Muyang 12, Concepcion 11, Garcia 6, Manuel 5, Stockton 5, Winston 4, Racal 0, Eguilos 0, Caralipio 0, Clemente 0, Delos Santos 0
NLEX 95– Alas 19, Torres 16, Nieto 12, Bahio 11, Policarpio 11, Ramirez 10, Onwubere 7, Mocon 4, Rodger 3, Fajardo 2, Amer 0, Herndon 0
Quarterscores: 18-17, 35-41, 62-67, 90-90, 107-95
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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.