PBA: Converge ends five-game slump with 21-point rout of Titan Ultra

Converge is back in full strength after dumping Titan with a 103-82 victory, ending its five-game dry spell in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

With Calvin Abueva finally regaining his old form, the FiberXers secured their first victory since their opening day win over Macau on March 11. They lost five straight games after that, bowing to Terrafirma, Meralco, San Miguel, Barangay Ginebra, and Rain or Shine. 

And against the Giant Risers, Converge made sure to put an end to its drought. 

Abueva poured in 14 points, five rebounds, and one steal in just his second game for Converge while Justin Arana led the show with 19 markers, three dimes, and two boards as they improved to 2-5. 

Juan Gomez de Liaño is also slowly regaining his rhythm after the star rookie dropped 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while import Kylor Kelley churned out 10 markers, 14 boards, and three dimes to help send Titan to its fourth loss in six games. 

"Sa akin siguro, nu'ng first game ko against Rain or Shine, parang 50-50 pa ako. Parang hindi pa ako handang maglaro pero ang mindset ko nando'n sa paglalaro," Abueva said.

"Tinrabaho ko before this game, 'yung three days na 'yun before thi sgame and ang resulta mas um-okay, mas gumaan, at mas naging agresibo ako sa loob.

Converge created an early separation from Titan in the first half with Gomez de Liaño and Arana conniving to help bring the FiberXers to a 57-41 halftime lead. 

However, FiberXers came out of the halftime break with more aggressiveness with import Michael Gilmore and Jerrick Balanza fueling a quick 7-0 run to open the third period, 57-48. 

Converge was quick to extinguish the fire with Abueva hitting one of his four three-pointers to give the FiberXers a 73-57 cushion. Abueva knocked down two more triples in the fourth, one of which sent his squad to an 87-67 lead against his former team. 

"Baguhan 'yung team and hindi pa naaayos 'yung gusto and this time, sana itong second win namin, dito na kami magtuloy-tuloy kasi naputol na 'yung losing streak namin," Abueva, who played for one conference with Titan, said. 

"Sana ngayon winnin streak naman."

Gilmore led Titan with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and two steals while Joshua Munzon led the local support with 15 markers and six steals.

Scores:

Converge 103 – Arana 19, Gomez de Liano 15, Abueva 14, Kelley 10, Baltazar 9, Garcia 8, Williams 8, Stockton 6, Concepcion 5, Policarpio 5, Clemente 2, Muyang 2.

Titan Ultra 82 – Gilmore 26, Munzon 15, Javillonar 11, Ular 11, Balanza 8, Yu 4, Sajonia 3, Flores 2, Caralipio 2, Dionisio 0, Omega 0, Ambohot 0, Cuntapay 0.

Quarters: 27-23, 57-41, 78-60, 103-82.

—JKC, GMA News