The Converge FiberXers are heading into the PBA’s long break with a win after surviving erstwhile league leader NLEX Road Warriors, 112-110, on Friday in the last doubleheader before the hiatus.
The Converge offense clicked in that victory—the FiberXers’ fifth against four losses. But more than the firepower on display, it was the team’s defense that made the difference, largely because Delta Pineda and the rest of Converge have recently prioritized getting stops.
“That was a good point. I feel like that’s something we emphasized a lot during the meeting. We really prioritized our defense,” Juan Gómez de Liaño told reporters after the game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Before securing wins against NLEX and Terrafirma Dyip, the FiberXers had endured a four-game losing streak, which prompted head coach Delta Pineda to hold a private meeting with the team to address key concerns.
“We were more focused on the details of our defensive schemes, and that’s what we worked on—it showed,” Gómez de Liaño added.
That defense remains a work in progress, but Converge has at least managed to make stops in crucial moments.
Converge Takes Pride in Team Defense
For Gómez de Liaño, Converge takes pride in its defense, and he hopes the team’s two-game winning streak will continue after the PBA break.
“I’m proud of the guys. We take a lot of pride in defense, and like what I said, sana tuloy-tuloy na rin,” said the former UP Fighting Maroons guard.
Now holding a 5-4 record, the FiberXers are in the top three of the Group A standings.
With Gómez de Liaño and the rest of his teammates showing renewed focus on their roles, the true potential of this Converge squad may finally be on display when they return to action on October 11 against the Titan Giant Ultra Risers.
