New import Jamaal Franklin drops 42 to propel Converge past Terrafirma

New import Jamaal Franklin exploded for 42 points to propel the Converge Fiberxers past Terrafirma Dyip, 130-115, on Thursday in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Converge started to pull away in the third period as it outscored the Dyip, 32-21, to take a 100-92 lead at the end of the said frame. They were trailing, 71-68, at the end of the first half.

The Fiberxers led by as much as 22, 130-108, after a Taylor Browne triple with 1:10 left in the game which eventually handed them their second win in the conference.

Aside from 42 points anchored on seven three pointers, Franklin also registered 11 rebounds and eight assists. Converge's previous import Ethan Rusbatch had 17 points, nine boards, and three assists in their opening game last Sunday.

Maverick Ahanmisi flirted with a double-double after posting 16 points and nine rebounds, while Jeron Teng and Justin Araña tallied 15 points each.

The win spoiled Terrafirma import Jordan Williams' 46-point performance. Juami Tiongson added 18 points in the Dyip's conference-opener loss.

Converge will try to notch another win when they play the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots on Sunday, while Terrafirma will try to bounce back when they return on Saturday against the Meralco Bolts.

The Scores:

Converge 130 – Franklin 42, Ahanmisi 16, Arana 15, Teng 15, Stockton 10, Browne 9, Racal 6, Balanza 4, Murrell 3, Tratter 3, Ambohot 0, Ebona 0, Tolomia 0.

Terrafirma 115 – Williams 46, Tiongson 18, Cabagnot 11, Ferrer 10, Ramos 10, Camcon 7, Cahilig 3, Gabayni 3, Mina 3, Gomez de Liano 2, Daquioag 0, Calvo 0.

Quarters: 36-33, 68-71, 100-92, 130-115.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News