Converge claims third straight win at Rain or Shine's expense

Converge extended its winning streak to three at the expense of Rain or Shine, 107-97, on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

With Converge leading 98-92 with around three minutes remaining in the fourth period, Alec Stockton then drilled a triple to widen the margin. However, Gabe Norwood answered with a jumper, but Stockton again made one from the field to give the FiberXers a 103-94 lead. Santi Santillan's split off a Justine Baltazar foul cut the deficit but Justin Arana and Stockton's back-to-back baskets virtually sealed the victory for Converge.

At the half, Rain or Shine held a 54-53 lead, but Converge started to pull away in the third period, thanks to the efforts of Schonny Winston and Stockton who had 11 and 10 points, respectively in the said frame.

Baltazar dominated the boards with 22 rebounds on top of 13 points, three assists, three blocks, and a steal, while Justin Arana grabbed 17 rebounds to go with 18 points, six assists, and three steals as the FiberXers improved to 4-2. Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton had 24 points apiece.

Santi Santillan had 26 points, while Gian Mamuyac had 25 points as the Elasto Painters slipped to 2-2. Adrian Nocum and Keith Datu had 11 points apiece, with the latter adding 10 boards.

Scores:

Converge 107 – Winston 24, Stockton 24, Arana 18, Baltazar 13, Racal 9, Suerte 7, Caralipio 5, Garcia 4, Santos 2, Corpuz 1, Delos Santos 0, Nermal 0, Ambohot 0.

Rain or Shine 97 – Santillan 26, Mamuyac 25, Nocum 11, Lemetti 6, Norwood 5, Caracut 5, Asistio 5, Clarito 2, Escandor 1, Malonzo 0.

Quarters: 25-31, 53-54, 84-78, 107-97.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News