Converge made a statement on Christmas Day, picking apart Philippine Cup champion Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.
Converge always goes out on the court with a chip on their shoulders.
That was only natural, especially for a young team that parades young stars like Jordan Heading and Justine Baltazar.
Heading and Baltazar both delivered on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, as the FiberXers hammered out a 110-94 win over Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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Heading registered a game-high 30 points built on four three-pointers he complemented with six rebounds, eight assists and a steal.
Baltazar had his best game yet offensively as he swished 16 points. He also had seven rebounds, four assists and a steal for Converge, which raced off to a 22-6 start and never looked back.
Converge coach Franco Atienza said his wards feel they need something to prove night in and night out.
“However young 'yung franchise namin, talagang ito 'yung una naming Christmas Day game. We want to prove our worth, na worthy kami of playing in big games, in big dates like this,” said Atienza after his team improved to 6-2.
Just as inspired was import Cheick Diallo, who turned in 24 points and 19 rebounds, while Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively.
“We want to inspire ang mga nanonood, sa families namin. Siguro, the inspiration to compete, to do our best, to lay it out on the line. Doon nanggagaling 'yun,” Atienza added.
While almost everything clicked for Converge, the Bolts struggled mightily the entire way.
Akil Mitchell (29 points and 18 rebounds) and Bong Quinto (23 points) were the bright spots for Meralco, but their combined efforts were not enough for Meralco, which got within 13 points in the fourth period but failed to follow through.
Meralco instead dipped to 3-2.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 110 – Heading 30, Diallo 24, Baltazar 16, Winston 11, Stockton 10, Arana 7, Andrada 5, Racal 3, Delos Santos 2, Santos 2, Fornillos 0, Nieto 0, Ambohot 0, Caralipio 0, Javillonar 0.
MERALCO 94 – Mitchell 29, Quinto 23, Hodge 10, Newsome 9, Banchero 6, Maliksi 5, Reyson 3, Pascual 3, Black 2, Rios 2, Caram 2, Torres 0.
Quarterscores: 26-20, 58-41, 85-66, 110-94