PBA: Stockton sparks late breakaway as Converge spoils Macau's Commissioner's Cup debut

Alec Stockton delivered the spark Converge needed against visiting Macau, powering the FiberXers to a 102–94 victory in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Stockton knocked down timely baskets and provided the hustle down the stretch as the new-look FiberXers spoiled Macau’s debut as a PBA guest team and got off to a strong start in the import-laden conference.

Stockton posted a team-high 18 points to fuel a pivotal 14-2 closing run in the fourth period while also tallying six steals, three rebounds, and three assists as Archie Concepcion and Justin Arana chipped in 16 and 15 markers apiece.

The returning Mikey Williams saw action only in the fourth period and went 0-of-4 from the field, but posted three assists, two rebounds, and a steal. 

The Black Knights were in control for most of the game with former PBA import Tony Mitchell Jr. completing an and-one play and knocking down a four-point shot to give Macau a 62-51 cushion early in the third quarter.

However, the FiberXers refused to sink as Arana, Stockton, Concepcion, and Jonnel Policarpio did enough to help Converge claw back and trim the deficit to three heading into the fourth quarter, 82–79.

A pair of free throws from Damian Chongqui pushed Macau ahead, 92–88, but the visitors went cold in the ensuing possessions as Converge flipped the switch late.

Kylor Kelley started the closing blast with a putback slam before Stockton converted a layup, which Kelley followed with another basket off a Williams dime as they retook the lead at 94-92.

Stockton then sliced through three defenders for a layup before setting up Justine Baltazar for another basket, stretching Converge’s lead to a comfortable 100–92 with 2:33 remaining. Baltazar later sealed the win with another layup as Macau failed to recover in the dying seconds.

Jenning Leung paced Macau with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal while Phoenix Shackelford and Chongqui chipped in 20 and 19 markers, respectively. 

Scores:

Converge 102 – Stockton 18, Concepcion 16, Arana 15, Baltazar 14, Policarpio 13, Kelley 12, Gomez de Liano 8, Garcia 4, Clemente 2, Williams 0, sMuyang 0, Reyson 0.

Macau 94 – Leung 22, Shakelford 20, Chongqui 19, Mitchell 18, Cao 7, Lao 6, Lu 2, Sun 0, Li 0, Chao 0.

Quarters: 27-19, 49-53, 79-82, 102-94.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News