PBA: Converge escapes NLEX for second straight win before conference break

Converge escaped NLEX, 112-110, for back-to-back wins in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum before the league takes a break to give way to the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

The All-Filipino Road Warriors took a 30-22 lead after the first period before the FiberXers clawed their way back and tied the game at 51 by halftime.

NLEX continued to hold off Converge in the third period, but the FiberXers rallied in the final frame, making a 7-0 run midway through the quarter to take a 93-88 lead.

The teams then traded baskets until Schonny Winston put NLEX ahead, 105-104.

Justin Arana completed a three-point play to give Converge a 108-104 lead before LJ Gonzales trimmed the deficit with 14 seconds left.

Juan Gomez de Liaño’s free throws in the final moments gave Converge a six-point lead, but Gonzales sank a four-pointer to give NLEX a glimmer of hope. He then missed his free throw off the foul, while new Converge import Cameron Clark grabbed the rebound to seal the victory.

Clark had 37 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and one assist, while Gomez de Liaño and Arana added 19 points each as Converge improved to 5-4.

Gonzales led NLEX with 23 points, while Robert Bolick had 19 and JB Bahio posted 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Road Warriors absorbed their second loss in nine games.

Scores:

Converge 112– Clark 37, Arana 19, Gomez de Liano 19, Baltazar 11, Abueva 6, Garcia 5, Williams 4, Stockton 3, Tungcab 3, Policarpio 3, Concepcion 2.

NLEX 110 – Gonzales 23, Bolick 19, Winston 17, Bahio 16, Semerad 9, Ramirez 8, Capulong 5, Valdez 5, Gamboa 4, Racal 2, Alas 2, Rodger 0, Fajardo 0, Torres 0, Nelle 0.

Quarters: 22-30, 51-51, 74-79, 112-110.

—JKC, GMA News