PBA: Locals step up as Converge takes down TNT to boost playoff hopes

Converge responded to head coach Delta Pineda’s challenge as its local crew stepped up to outlast TNT, 97–92, in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Pineda, who had urged his local players to shoulder the load amid a dip in import Kylor Kelley’s performance, got solid outings from Justin Arana, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Alec Stockton, and Mikey Williams.

Arana sizzled on both ends after dropping 21 points and 10 rebounds while Gomez de Liaño posted 16 markers, seven boards, seven assists, and three steals as they improved to 3-6.

Williams was also crucial in his first clash against his former team, chipping in 13 points, two rebounds and three assists while Stockton posted 13 markers.

Kelley, meanwhile, only had four points on dismal 2-of-7 shooting from the field but grabbed nine rebounds in 30 minutes of action.

"[We] stay focused, especially in the third quarter. For the past games, doon kami nahahabol in the third quarter, so focused lang kami and believed na we can win this thing," Pineda said.

With Kelley struggling from the field, Converge maximized its locals with Stockton hitting a triple to send the FiberXers to an 86-76 lead midway through the fourth period.

Arana then knocked down back-to-back baskets before Gomez de Liaño's split from the line allowed Converge to seize a 93-82 cushion.

Bol Bol sparked a TNT rally, finishing a layup against Kylor Kelley before draining a long jumper over the outstretched arms of Justine Baltazar to pull the Tropang 5G within three, 93–90, with 1:25 remaining.

But RR Pogoy fouled Justin Arana on the ensuing play, with Arana splitting his free throws before hustling for a putback off an overcooked triple from Mikey Williams, giving Converge a 96–90 cushion with just 20.9 seconds left.

Bol was held to 32 points—his second-lowest output, believe it or not—along with 16 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jordan Heading chipped in 14 and 13 points, respectively.

The loss halted TNT's three-game winning streak and dropped the Tropang 5G to a 5-3 card. 

Scores:

Converge 97 – Arana 21, Gomez de Liano 16, Stockton 13, Williams 13, Abueva 9, Muyang 8, Concepcion 6, Kelley 4, Baltazar 3, Garcia 2, Policarpio 2.

TNT 92 – Bol 32, Ganuelas-Rosser 14, Heading 13, Pogoy 12, Oftana 12, Nambatac 5, K.Williams 2, Ferrer 2, Castro 0, Nava 0, Khobuntin 0, Galinato 0, Aurin 0.

Quarters: 15-19, 41-30, 69-61, 97-92.

—JKC, GMA News