Converge survives Calvin Oftana, TNT for back-to-back wins

Converge claimed back-to-back wins after surviving a late TNT rally, 100-94, on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The FiberXers held a 53-35 lead at the second half but the Tropang 5G outscored Converge, 30-18, in the third period to inch closer, 71-65. However, Justine Baltazar led Converge in the fourth period as he made 11 of his 21 points in the final frame.

Converge led 96-84 with less than three minutes left but Rey Nambatac made a personal 4-0 run to cut the deficit. Baltazar's basket at the 1:14 mark then handed the control back to Converge despite another Nambatac basket. Kevin Racal sealed the victory as Calvin Oftana's 4-pointer was already too late for the Tropang 5G.

Aside from Baltazar who also had 12 boards, Justin Arana made 22 points and 11 rebounds as Converge improved to 3-2.

Oftana erupted for 33 points built on five triples, while RR Pogoy and Nambatac had 15 and 12 points, respectively, for TNT. However, TNT's bid for a Grand Slam went to a bad start as it absorbed its second straight loss.

Scores:

Converge 100 – Arana 22, Baltazar 21, Winston 19, Stockton 19, Garcia 6, Racal 5, Suerte 4, Nermal 2, Santos 2, Delos Santos 0, Santos 0, AMbohot 0, Corpuz 0.

TNT 94 – Oftana 33, Pogoy 15, Nambatac 12, Erram 9, Enciso 9, Williams 8, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 3, Varilla 0, Razon 0.

Quarters: 28-16, 53-35, 71-65, 100-94.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News