MANILA — Converge FiberXers unleashed a blistering late-game rally to turn back the Macau Black Knights, 102-94, overcoming a four-point deficit in the closing minutes to notch a dramatic opening victory in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Trailing 88-92 late in the fourth quarter, the FiberXers erupted with a decisive 14-0 scoring run powered by Alec Stockton, Kylor Kelley, and Justine Baltazar to flip the contest and seize a 102-92 lead with less than a minute remaining.
Stockton finished with 18 points, six steals, three rebounds, and three assists, while Archie Concepcion also tallied 18 markers, including three outside conversions, for the FiberXers.
Justin Arana, Baltazar, and Jonnel Policarpio contributed 15, 14, and 13 markers, respectively, while Kelley posted a double-double of 12 points and 19 rebounds as Converge opened its campaign with a 1-0 record.
The FiberXers pulled off the impressive victory despite playing without Calvin Abueva, who was nursing an injury, and even with star guard Mikey Williams being held scoreless during his fourth-quarter appearance.
Jenning Leung paced the Black Knights with 22 points, Phoenix Shackelford added 20 markers, while Damian Chongqui and Tony Mitchell chipped in 19 and 18, respectively.
In the other game, Terrafirma Dyip opened its campaign in dominant fashion, dismantling the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 112-82.
Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Dyip with 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to earn Player of the Game honors as Terrafirma delivered one of the most convincing wins of the early conference.
Terrafirma held only a slim 26-23 lead at the end of the first quarter before creating separation in the second period. The Dyip tightened their defense and capitalized on transition opportunities to stretch the margin to 52-40 at halftime.
The game turned lopsided in the third quarter as Terrafirma unleashed a strong offensive surge, outscoring the Giant Risers, 37-22, to build a commanding 89-62 advantage before eventually widening the lead to as many as 32 points./PN
