PBA: Converge downs Magnolia as Philippine Cup resumes

Converge continued its winning streak at the expense of Magnolia, 114-97, as the PBA Philippine Cup resumed on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The league returned after a short break to give way to the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window.

Magnolia held a 48–35 lead in the second quarter before the FiberXers responded with a 7–0 run to inch closer, trimming the deficit with 40 ticks left. The first half ended with Zav Lucero’s free throws that gave the Hotshots a 50–42 advantage.

The FiberXers then pounced on the Hotshots in the second half, though a Lucero layup briefly handed Magnolia an 82–80 lead early in the fourth period.

Converge answered with a 10–2 run, highlighted by a Juan Gomez de Liaño four-pointer, to take a 92–82 lead.

The FiberXers continued to pour it on in the fourth quarter and built their biggest lead, 114–95, with 14 ticks left to virtually seal the win, before a Lucero basket capped the game.

Gomez de Liaño finished with 27 points, including four triples and a four-pointer, along with seven rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block. Baltazar added a double-double of 19 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block, while Stockton chipped in 23 points as the FiberXers improved to 6–2 and extended its winning streak to three.

The win spoiled Lucero’s 31-point outing as the Hotshots slipped to 5–3.

Scores:

Converge 114 – Gomez de Liano 27, Stockton 23, Baltazar 19, Concepcion 11, Winston 10, Arana 9, Garcia 7, Muyang 6, Caralipio 2, Racal 0, R. Santos 0, Delos Santos 0, Javillonar 0.

Magnolia 97 – Lucero 31, Lastimosa 13, Barroca 10, Gomez de Liano 10, Laput 8, Eriobu 7, Lee 7, Dela Rosa 5, Koon 4, Sangalang 2.

Quarters: 19-27, 42-50, 78-77, 114-97.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News