The Converge FiberXers raced off to a great start, sputtered late, but recovered in time to beat TNT Tropang 5G in their PBA Philippine Cup clash.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Converge's toughest soldiers delivered to ward off a gritty TNT, 100-94, in the nightcap of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Sunday, April 27.
Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar and Alec Stockton conspired and made the big shots in the final minutes, and the FiberXers escaped with their third win in five games.
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“Sinuwerte lang siguro kami kasi pagod pa yata 'yong Talk ’n Text,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza of the Tropang 5G, who are coming off a gruelling seven-game finale in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Medyo kababalik lang nila. Pero a win is a win, and we will take it.”
Arana threw his weight around, winding up with 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, while Baltazar also put up a double-double with his 21 points and 12 boards.
Stockton fired 19 points, including a three-point play with 3:26 remaining that gave the team a 95-81 buffer.
But TNT is a back-to-back champion this season for a reason.
Even without Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jayson Castro, the Tropang 5G managed to come back behind Calvin Oftana and Rey Namabatac.
Oftana unloaded a four-pointer to trim the lead to four, but time just wasn’t on TNT’s side.
“We know TNT is a good team. Even without RHJ, nandoon 'yong DNA nito. We went up by double digits pero they came back,” said Converge coach Franco Atienza, whose team led by as many as 22 points.
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Oftana saw his 33-point outing go down the drain as the Tropang 5G went 0-2.
RR Pogoy, who was blessed with the birth of his son two days ago, added 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
Converge vs TNT Scores:
CONVERGE 100 – Arana 22, Baltazar 21, Winston 19, Stockton 19, Garcia 6, Racal 5, Suerte 4, Nermal 2, Santos 2, Delos Santos 0, Santos 0, AMbohot 0, Corpuz 0.
TNT 94 – Oftana 33, Pogoy 15, Nambatac 12, Erram 9, Enciso 9, Williams 8, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 3, Varilla 0, Razon 0.
Quarterscores: 28-16, 53-35, 71-65, 100-94.