Make it back-to-back wins for the Converge FiberXers after they pounced on the importless Phoenix Fuel Masters, 130-103, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win hiked Converge’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup record to 4-6 and moved the upstart franchise to within a game of the magic eight. The loss dropped Phoenix to 5-4.
What Happened?
Converge seized control right in the opening frame, building a 29-16 advantage behind eight early points from new import Donovan Smith and five from Justine Baltazar. It didn’t help either that Phoenix import James Dickey III was a late scratch due to an injured ankle, which he sustained in the Fuel Masters’ win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. Even so, they kept in step with the FiberXers in the second, just losing it by two, 32-30, to enter halftime down, 61-46.
Smith and Baltazar again spearheaded the FiberXers’ attack in the third, combining for 12 points in a 33-25 quarter to extend the lead to 94-71 after three. Converge cruised from that point on to its fourth win in the midseason tourney.
Who Stood Out?
Smith announced his return to the PBA in a big way, dropping 32 points on 12-for-20 from the field on top of 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Baltazar proved superb as well, tallying 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds off the Converge bench.
Importless Phoenix, meanwhile, relied heavily on Ricci Rivero and his 26 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Jason Perkins, on the other hand, tried to hold the fort in the paint, scoring 17 points off the bench but to no avail.
3 Keys to the Game
- Import situation. Smith’s arrival and Dickey’s injury gave the FiberXers a huge advantage, with the former proving unstoppable without the latter anchoring Phoenix’s defense.
- Paint scoring. Without Dickey in the paint, it was open season for the FiberXers in the interior, and it showed in their 72-40 advantage in points in the paint. Smith, Baltazar, and Arana all took turns attacking the Phoenix defense, which contributed to Converge shooting 52.5% overall.
- Rebounding. The FiberXers’ dominance extended to rebounding, where they had a 71-35 advantage. Baltazar’s 14 caroms and Smith’s 12 were a big reason for Converge outrebounding Phoenix, who also surrendered 23 offensive boards. That resulted in 18 second-chance points for Smith and company.
Next Up for the PBA
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Blackwater Bossing vs. Macau Black Knights (5:15 p.m.)
Meralco Bolts vs. San Miguel Beermen (7:30 p.m.)
