The Converge FiberXers hung on for a nail‑biting 105‑103 win over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It was the FiberXers’ second straight victory to start the PBA Governors’ Cup and Terrafirma’s second consecutive loss after opening the conference with a win over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
What Happened?
Converge and Terrafirma both started flaming hot, combining for 71 points—35 for the former, 36 for the latter—as each shot over 60% from the field. Scoring plateaued in the second quarter, where the FiberXers began to create separation by outscoring the Dyip, 24‑15, on the shoulders of Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar. At halftime, Converge held a 59‑51 lead.
The FiberXers continued to assert control after halftime, adding to that lead after three thanks to a 23‑20 third quarter as Arana proved unstoppable yet again. But, as they did against the NLEX Road Warriors, Terrafirma clawed back in the final frame, nearly erasing an 89‑77 deficit with a last‑ditch rally. That comeback ultimately fell short, with Baltazar blocking Aljon Mariano’s potential game‑tying undergoal stab with 26 ticks left and Maverick Ahanmisi missing what would have been a game‑winning buzzer‑beating four‑point shot.
Who Stood Out?
Arana feasted against Terrafirma’s reed‑thin frontcourt, exploding for 31 points and 10 rebounds on 14‑for‑19 shooting. Frontcourt partner Baltazar impressed as well with his 16‑point, 14‑rebound double‑double, punctuated by that game‑saving block down the stretch. He added 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 rejections in an all‑around outing.
Terrafirma, on the other hand, leaned on a 40‑point performance from Justin Strings, who also added 11 rebounds and 5 assists. The Ahanmisi‑Juami Tiongson tandem again worked wonders for the Dyip, with Ahanmisi tallying 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists, and Tiongson sparking Terrafirma with 17 markers off the bench.
3 Keys to the Game
- Frontcourt play. Arana and Baltazar carried the fight for Converge, combining for 46 points, 24 rebounds, and 8 assists as they dominated inside and controlled the boards.
- Rebounding. Behind Arana and Baltazar, Converge had the advantage on the glass, 57‑48. The FiberXers also grabbed more offensive boards, 18‑12, than Terrafirma, converting those extra caroms into 19 second‑chance points. In contrast, the Dyip managed 15 points off offensive rebounds.
- Transition play. The FiberXers repeatedly scored in transition off steals and rebounds, building a 26‑18 edge in fast‑break points. Those easy baskets ultimately proved crucial in fending off Terrafirma’s late rally.
Next Up for the PBA
Friday, July 17, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
- Macau Giant Pandas vs. Converge FiberXers (5:15 p.m.)
- Blackwater Bossing vs. Magnolia Hotshots (7:30 p.m.)
