Alec Stockton and Converge used Ginebra's "Never Say Die" mantra against itself.
When things start going south, Converge turns to Alec Stockton.
That was exactly what happened on Saturday, Dec. 21, when the FiberXers eked out a 98-91 win over Ginebra in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Batangas City Coliseum.
With Converge down 40-57 at halftime, Stockton spewed 17 of his 22 points in the third period to turn the tables and eventually give his team its fifth win in seven games.
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The spitfire guard's outburst helped the FiberXers stage a 20-0 uprising bridging the third and fourth quarters to take an 80-70 lead.
Schonny Winston then picked up where Stockton left off, fashioning out 11 points in the final quarter. He finished with 15 points.
But the two could not have not gotten the job down themselves.
Converge needed import Cheick Diallo to put up 19 points and 18 rebounds. He also had four assists.
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When the Gin Kings threatened to fight back with a 9-2 run to close in, 88-91, Diallo silenced the partisan crowd at the stadium.
During a rebound play with under two minutes remaining, Scottie Thompson tapped the ball to the wrong man. When the ball found the hands of Diallo, he did not waste time and punctuated the sequence with an emphatic flush.
He made the bonus free throw for a 95-88 count and the FiberXers had it in the bag.
Converge spoiled a 39-point outing from Justin Brownlee, who also submitted 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in 15 big points, but his turnover with 26 ticks left to play worsened Ginebra’s chances.
RJ Abarrientos added 11 points.