The Converge FiberXers snapped a five-game losing skid on Wednesday with a 103-82 rout of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Converge’s victory, only its second in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, lifted the FiberXers up from the bottom two, at least for the meantime. Titan Ultra’s loss dropped them to 2-4, which is slightly above the Delta Pineda-led squad.
What Happened?
Two embattled teams engaged in a tight first quarter that saw former FiberXer Pao Javillonar score 9 of Titan Ultra’s first 11 points. Import Michael Gilmore also got into the act to help the Giant Risers keep in lockstep with Converge, 27-23, to end the opening frame. A quick 6-1 burst to start the second gave the FiberXers some separation, 33-24, before pouring it on to end the half with a 57-41 cushion.
Come the second half, the closest the Giant Risers could get was at 64-55. But the FiberXers quickly reasserted control and pushed that lead back up, ultimately ending the third ahead, 78-60. There was no looking back from there as Converge cruised to the win.
Who Stood Out?
Calvin Abueva, in just 16 minutes, made quite an impact, bringing energy and intensity while also tallying 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Justin Arana, meanwhile, was a pillar for Converge, finishing with 19 points on a hyper-efficient 9-for-11 shooting.
On the other side, the Giant Risers struggled mightily, with Gilmore and Joshua Munzon shooting a combined 13-for-43 from the field. Ato Ular and Javillonar, though, were somewhat bright spots, as each fired 11 markers while combining to go 10-for-11 overall.
3 Keys to the Game
- Shooting. Put simply, Converge shot better than Titan Ultra, 47.6% to 38.1%. Part of it was good defense from the FiberXers, while part of it was simply the Giant Risers taking forced shots.
- Bench play. Converge got strong contributions from its reserves, outscoring their Titan Ultra counterparts, 45-25. Abueva’s 14 on efficient shooting led the way, with Justine Baltazar adding 9, and Mike Garcia chipping in 8.
- Transition play. The FiberXers got into the open court and had a 14-7 advantage in fastbreak points. It’s not a lot, but by playing fast, Converge also got better looks that got them into a good rhythm.
Next Up for the PBA
Friday, April 17, 2026 | Ynares Center – Montalban
Phoenix Fuel Masters vs. Blackwater Bossing (5:15 p.m.)
Meralco Bolts vs. NLEX Road Warriors (7:30 p.m.)
