Alec Stockton stars in Converge's wild 20-point comeback vs. Magnolia

Alec Stockton came alive when it mattered most, unleashing timely hits and an assist in Converge's 93-91 come-from-behind win against Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. 

Stockton first buried a three-pointer that tied things up at 91-all after they trailed by as much as 20 points before he issued a dime that led to a game-winning layup for Justin Arana in the final seconds. 

The victory was a sweet bounce back for the FiberXers, who were coming off a loss to guest team Eastern last Friday, as they improved to 2-1 while the Hotshots fell to an even 1-1 slate. 

"I guess it is divine intervention so all glory to God and it's nice when you have a team and a management who are really backing you up and I think it says a lot about our culture," Converge coach Franco Atienza said.

"The culture is from the top management down to the coaches and the players until sa support staff. We just grinded it out. We're down 15 at the half to 20 in the third."

Arana ended up with a team-high 24 points alongside seven rebounds while  Stockton finished with a double-double of 18 markers and 10 assists to go with seven boards as the duo fueled the fightback.

The locals made sure to provide the help after getting an off night from import Cheick Diallo, who was limited to just 10 points on dismal 4-of-15 shooting from the field but secured 16 rebounds to make up for a cold offense. 

Ricardo Ratliffe dropped 25 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal in the loss while Jerom Lastimosa chipped in 14 markers in his second game in the professional ranks. 

Scores:

Converge 93 – Arana 24, Stockton 18, Racal 10, Diallo 10, Heading 8, Santos 8, Andrade 5, Winston 5, Nieto 3, Delos Santos 2.

Magnolia 91 – Ratliffe 25, Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 12, Ahanmisi 12, Lee 10, Lucero 10, Barroca 6, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0, Dionisio 0.

Quarters: 22-26, 38-53, 67-75, 93-91.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News