PBA: Converge outlasts NLEX in OT to boost playoff bonus drive

The troika of Justine Baltazar, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Justin Arana was just too much as Converge weathered NLEX in overtime, 107-95, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

Baltazar exploded for a career-high 25 points and dominated the boards with 24 rebounds, propelling the FiberXers to a 7-4 record and keeping their playoff bonus dreams alive.

The 6-foot-9 bruiser got ample help with rookie Gomez de Liaño posting another triple-double outing of 20 markers, 13 boards, and 10 assists while his froncourt tandem Arana churned out 19 points, including nine in the extra period. 

Baltazar completed a crucial three-point play late in the fourth period to bring Converge to an 88-85 cushion before Alec Stockton split his charities to bring them to a four-point lead. 

NLEX guard Matt Nieto trimmed the gap to three with his own freebie with Converge getting the chance to make it a five-point lead but Stockton split his freebies anew for a 90-86 lead. 

That set the stage for a buzzer-beater four-point shot from Jonnel Policarpio to force the overtime. 

It was all Converge in the extra five-minute affair as the Road Warriors converted just five points against the 17 of the FiberXers. 

Arana scored nine of those 17, including six straight baskets that allowed Converge to erect a 104-93 lead with 1:28 left in the game en route to the victory. 

NLEX, playing without Robert Bolick who's currently with Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 SEA Games, turned to Kevin Alas as the veteran guard put together 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists while Xyrus Torres chipped in 16 markers. 

Scores:

Converge 107 – Baltazar 25, Gomez de Liano 20, Arana 19, Muyang 12, Concepcion 11, Garcia 6, Manuel 5, Stockton 5, Winston 4, Racal 0, Eguilos 0, Caralipio 0, Clemente 0, Delos Santos 0.

NLEX 95– Alas 19, Torres 16, Nieto 12, Bahio 11, Policarpio 11, Ramirez 10, Onwubere 7, Mocon 4, Rodger 3, Fajardo 2, Amer 0, Herndon 0.

Quarters: 18-17, 35-41, 62-67, 90-90, 107-95.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News