A title dark horse in the Converge FiberXers faced off with a bottom-dweller in the Blackwater Bossing to open Saturday action in the PBA. The underdogs put up a gallant stand, but the favorites proved too good in the end, pulling out a 99-94 victory at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win hiked the FiberXers’ record to 4-2, while the loss dropped the Bossing to 1-5.
What Happened?
Sedrick Barefield got off to a scorching start, firing 13 points in the first quarter alone to help Blackwater take a 25-21 lead after one. But Converge began playing true to form starting in the second quarter to take a 49-45 halftime lead and a 78-72 advantage after three. The Bossing proved unshakable in this game, dragging the FiberXers into deep waters in the payoff period with some inspired play. However, Converge did just enough down the stretch to pull out the victory as Blackwater just couldn’t make winning plays to nail the upset.
Who Stood Out?
Alec Stockton stepped up in a game where most of the FiberXers looked lethargic and a step slow. In all, the longest-tenured member of Converge finished with 28 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks and made some crucial free throws that helped fend off Blackwater. Justin Baltazar helped out, too, putting up 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Barefield went on to finish with 33 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists and nearly led Blackwater to a huge win. Backcourt mate Dalph Panopio impressed as well, scattering 11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals as he played fellow rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño nearly to a draw.
3 Keys to the Game
- Alec Stockton. A young veteran, Stockton stepped up when Converge needed him the most, delivering 13 of his team-high 28 points in the fourth quarter. He was also steady from the line down the stretch, making four crucial freebies to keep the Bossing at bay.
- Endgame defense. It seemed all Blackwater needed to pull off the upset was a big basket, but they couldn’t get it because Converge clamped down in the endgame. In all, the FiberXers forced the Bossing to cough it up thrice in the final three minutes and surrendered only contested treys.
- Bench production. Save for Stockton, Converge’s vaunted starting five was relatively quiet against the Bossing. But the bench, led by Schonny Winston, Archie Concepcion, and Larry Muyang, provided a spark and got the FiberXers back into the driver’s seat after a slow start. Those 32 bench points, as opposed to just 19 from Blackwater’s, proved huge in the middle two quarters in particular.
Next Up for the PBA
The PBA Philippine Cup won’t be holding games on Sunday as the league postponed the scheduled games (Magnolia Hotshots vs. TNT Tropang 5G and Titan Ultra Giant Risers vs. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel) due to the incoming typhoon. PBA action will instead resume on Wednesday with the Phoenix Fuel Masters and Terrafirma Dyip colliding in the first game, followed by the San Miguel Beermen and Titan Ultra Giant Risers facing off in the second game.
Phoenix vs. Terrafirma (5:15 p.m.)
San Miguel vs. Titan Ultra (7:30 p.m.)
