Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
TNT’s previous encounter with Converge was a heartbreaker. They held a commanding 16-point lead at one point, only to see it evaporate in the fourth quarter. Scotty Hopson then made a shocking four-point buzzer-beater, sending TNT to a crushing defeat.
On September 8, the TNT Tropang Giga was obviously geared for revenge against the Converge FiberXers. Veteran guard Jayson Castro ensured a different outcome. With 1:09 remaining, he delivered the game’s biggest basket – a timely three-pointer that pushed their lead back to 5 (96-91), enough to avert another meltdown and to secure their 5th win.
Castro paced his team with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who admitted to having nightmares about the last meeting, came out very aggressive. He finished with an excellent all-around game and had 21 points. Rey Nambatac also made a significant impact, draining four three-pointers en route to a 17-point performance.
Meanwhile, Converge saw their young players step up with breakout performances. Schonny Winston led the charge with 15 points, keeping his team in contention throughout the game. Jeo Ambohot provided crucial support with 12 points, while Justin Arana, still recovering from an ankle sprain, chipped in 16 points. Alec Stockton rounded out the scoring with 15 points.
TNT’s Strong Start and Converge’s Tenacious Comeback
The Tropang Giga was obviously geared for revenge. They started the game red-hot from three-point territory, building an early lead. They continued their strong performance in the second half, as RR Pogoy’s layup extended their lead to 21 (62-41). With the way they were playing TNT seemed poised for a dominant victory. However, Converge’s young guns didn’t plan on giving up just yet. Winston and Ambohot showed grit and helped the FiberXers stay close, cutting the deficit to just 11 points (78-67) heading into the final frame.
The action soars even further in the fourth. As Schonny Winston took over, making crucial plays, left and right. His layup brought Converge within striking distance, just two points behind (93-91). But that’s when Castro, the veteran leader, stepped up when it mattered most. He calmly sank a clutch three-pointer to halt the surging Converge and redeem themselves from their previous defeat.
The Scores :
- TNT 98 – Hollis-Jefferson 21, Nambatac 17, Oftana 14, Castro 14, Pogoy 12, Erram 5, Payawal 5, Aurin 5, Khobuntin 3, Heruela 2
- CONVERGE 91 – Arana 16, Winston 15, Stockton 15, Hopson 13, Ambohot 12, Delos Santos 8, Santos 7, Cabagnot 4, Racal 1, Nieto 0, Vigan-Fleming 0, Andrade 0
- QUARTERS: 36-18, 58-39, 78-67, 98-91
