Alec Stockton posts best offensive production yet as Converge rolls to 3 straight wins

Alec Stockton was doing a splendid job on both ends of the floor but saw himself sitting on the bench in the last 2:33 of the match between Converge and Magnolia in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday.

That’s after he put his foot on Mangolia import Eric McCree’s landing spot as the latter was taking a triple that ended up kissing the bottom of the net. Stockton was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1 and was basically out of the game at that point unless the game went into overtime.

Good thing his teammates picked up the cudgels as the FiberXers claimed their third straight win in as many games.

“I was of course frustrated I wasn't out there to be able to help my teammates,” he said. “Thank God I have really good teammates that stepped up and helped us win down the stretch so kudos to them.”  

After leading by as many as 14 points, the Hotshots trimmed the gap to 3 behind the Herculean efforts of McCree and Paul Lee.

But Converge import Jamaal Franklin was quick to restore order and launched a triple despite the leech-like defense of Rome dela Rosa, giving the FiberXers enough cushion in the final minute to escape with the hard-earned victory.

Before getting the boot, Stockton posted career-high 18 points to go with 4 rebounds, a steal, and 2 blocks. The former FEU stalwart, known more as a defensive lynchpin, said he was simply repaying head coach Aldin Ayo’s trust.

“He’s always pushing me in terms of putting in extra work to be a better at my game like shooting. Doing the maintenance mainly. So they just came out this game,” he said.

Despite the string of victories, Ayo refused to be complacent and pointed out his import still needs to adjust their system as soon as possible.

Franklin followed up his 42-point outing in his debut with a tour de force performance of 26 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks. Yet the two-time champion collegiate coach claimed the FiberXers are predictable.