The Converge FiberXers misses the services of Jordan Heading early in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Converge coach Franco Atienza knows that Jordan Heading’s absence puts a big dent to the FiberXers' campaign in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
But Atienza is confident that his wards will step up the fill the void left by the recent Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Conference candidate.
That could not be any truer as Converge held off Phoenix, 92-83, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate Sunday, April 6.
“He (Heading) brings a lot to the table. But kung hindi pa siya available, while waiting for him, we have 15 other guys who will hold the fort,” said Atienza of Heading, who is nursing a back injury.
“We are confident na kung ano 'yong mawala or habang hinihintay namin si Jordan, these guys are ready to step up.”
The FiberXers weathered an 18-6 Fuel Masters uprising in the fourth period that enabled their foes to trim a 23-point gap.
Four Converge players finished in double figures, with Alec Stockton topscoring with 18 points he spiked with six rebounds, an assist and two blocks.
Schonny Winston put up 14 points, 8 rebounds and two steals, Bryan Santos chipped in 12 markers, while Justin Arana had a double-double (10-10).
It was Justin Baltazar, though, who was hailed Player of the Game after submitting nine points, 16 boards, six assists, a steal and two blocks.
[ALSO READ: Meralco bench does most damage as reigning champ strings back-to-back wins in PBA PH Cup]
Atienza said that all it would take is team effort from his wards.
“It’s a big shoe (Heading’s) to fill. And the only way to fill that is through group effort, team effort. At the end of the day, basketball is a team game,” the Converge mentor said.
Kai Ballungay, who impressed with a 30-15 game in Phoenix's opening game loss to Terrafirma, once again paced his squad with 15 points and 12 rebounds in another effort that went down the drain. He also had a steal and two blocks.
Tyler Tio added 13 points, two rebounds, and three assists for Phoenix.
Converge vs. Phoenix Scores
CONVERGE 92 – Stockton 18, Winston 14, B. Santos 12, Arana 10, Baltazar 9, Nermal 7, Garcia 6, Caralipio 5, Racal 5, Delos Santos 2, Corpuz 2, Ambohot 2, Suerte 0, R. Santos 0.
PHOENIX 83 – Ballungay 15, Tio 13, Salado 8, Alejandro 8, Tuffin 7, Rivero 6, Camacho 6, Garcia 6, Ular 4, Soyud 5, Verano 3, Jazul 1, Manganto 1, Daves 0.
Quarterscores: 19-24, 44-38, 67-57, 92-83.