Converge is looking to make full use of its twice-to-bead advantage as the FiberXers battle Ginebra once again in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Juan Gomez de Liaño and the Converge FiberXers face their toughest test yet as they gear up for a winner-take-all quarterfinal showdown against the Ginebra Gin Kings in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Sunday, Dec. 28.
Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Converge FiberXers vs Brgy. Ginebra | Philippine Cup quarterfinals]
Converge enters the matchup seeking redemption after absorbing a 105–85 loss to Ginebra on Christmas Day, a game where the FiberXers struggled to find rhythm against the Gin Kings’ defensive schemes.
Gomez de Liaño, who lit up Ginebra for 32 points in the elimination round against the same team, was held to nine points and five rebounds, while Justin Arana battled foul trouble and finished with just six points.
Despite the setback, Converge found a steady presence in Justine Baltazar, who delivered 19 points and 13 rebounds, with Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton adding 14 and 12 markers, respectively.
The challenge now is sustaining that production while freeing up their primary weapons.
Arana remains confident heading into the decider.
“At least, may chance pa kaming makabawi sa Sunday. Hindi pa naman tapos ‘to para sa’min. Kailangan lang naming mag-adjust,” he said.
With their conference on the line, the FiberXers will need sharper execution and quicker adjustments if they are to turn the tables and keep their breakthrough campaign alive.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]