Converge FiberXers rookie Justine Baltazar's emphatic slam over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters veteran Beau Belga is highlight-reel worthy.
Cheick Diallo received the ball from Alec Stockton in a high pick-and-roll play, then, at the last minute, decided to release the leather to Justine Baltazar.
Baltazar did not let Diallo down and delivered an emphatic dunk in the face of Rain or Shine veteran Beau Belga.
The play was among the highlights in Converge’s 130-118 win over the Elasto Painters in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals Wednesday, Feb. 5.
“Ang ganda ng pasa sa'kin. Talagang sinalpak ko na. 'Di ko inasahang sasabay si Kuya Beau,” said Baltazar after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
But Baltazar, who finished with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, refused to make it about him.
After all, the FiberXers worked together to buck a slow start, exploiting their size advantage over the Elasto Painters — who missed the services of foul-riddled import Deon Thompson in the second half — to cruise to the opening win in the best-of-three series.
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Baltazar said Converge was simply ready for whatever the Elasto Painters threw at them.
“Gusto talaga naming manalo. Pinaghandaan talaga namin ang Rain or Shine. Kasi nakita ninyo naman, noong first half, tambak kami. Noong second half, pinagtrabahuhan talaga ng mga coaches namin. Sumunod lang kami,” Baltazar said.
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While still a PBA rookie, the top overall pick is old enough to know that Converge cannot write off Rain or Shine just yet.
“Huwag kami masiyadong makampante. Focus pa rin kami sa Friday, sa game. Tapos bukas, trabaho pa rin… 'Di kami puwedeng mag-relax,” he said.
The FiberXers go for the jugular when they tangle with the Elasto Painters anew in Game 2 on Friday, Feb. 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.