Converges big man Justine Baltazar in PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Converge defeated Blackwater, 127-109, on Sunday night to claim sole second place in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and tie a franchise milestone.
The FiberXers took advantage of the hot hands of Jordan Heading and highly touted rookie Justine Baltazar to win their eighth game after 11 games, a record for the young telecommunications club.
Article continues after this announcement.
The victory, achieved at Ynares Middle in Antipolo Metropolis, equaled the franchise’s all-time record that occurred two seasons ago in the same tournament when the team was still coached by Aldin Ayo with Quincy Miller as backup.
READ: PBA: Converge thwarts Rain or Shine; Yeng Guiao expelled
The night, however, was marred by an injury to Justin Arana, who hyperextended his knee during the match. Fortunately, he was able to leave the place at the top of the hill alone.
Heading scored 22 points while Baltazar scored 20, the best of his young PBA career, which he combined with 10 rebounds. The imported Cheick Diallo was just as big with 20 and 10.
Article continues after this announcement.
Blackwater relied on import George King, who scored 34 points, while Jaydee Tungcab added 20 for the club, which fell to 2-8 in the standings.
Article continues after this announcement.
READ: PBA: TNT takes the hard road again before stopping Converge’s victory
Converge, which is now the second best club behind TNT, can secure the bonus of two defeats with one more game to play: against the powerful San Miguel, which they took to the limit in the quarterfinals of the previous conference.
Article continues after this announcement.
The scores:
CONVERGE 127 – Rumbo 22, Baltazar 20, Diallo 20, Stockton 19, Delos Santos 10, Winston 10, Santos 8, Nieto 8, Arana 7, Racal 3, Caralipio 0, Andrade 0
BLACKWATER 109 – King 34, Tungcab 20, Chua 16, David 14, Kwekuteye 10, Casio 6, Corteza 4, Ponferrada 3, Guinto 2, Montalbo 0, Ayonayon 0, Jopia 0
Article continues after this announcement.
Scoring quarters: 33-26, 70-56, 97-88, 127-109.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
