The Converge FiberXers brought in a new import to stop their four-game skid, and they did just that on Tuesday, routing the Terrafirma Dyip, 120-103, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. With the win, Converge evened its PBA Governors’ Cup record to 4-4 while dropping Terrafirma to 3-5.
What Happened?
Converge and Terrafirma went at it early, with the latter riding on eight quick points from center Geo Chiu to counter three booming triples from surprise starter Jaydee Tungcab. In fact, it was still a one-point game, 19-18, at the 5:25 mark of the opening frame before the FiberXers ended the first on a 19-5 run to go up, 38-23, after one. Converge continued its hot shooting in the second canto, at one point pushing its shooting percentage to over 70% as the shots just kept falling. At the half, the FiberXers were ahead, 70-48.
Tungcab and company continued to be in control for much of the third, where they built as much as a 29-point cushion with over seven minutes left. Terrafirma, though, fought back in the tail end of the third, ending it on a 9-0 run to creep within 91-79 entering the fourth. The Dyip scored the first two points of the final frame to nudge closer, 91-81, before Converge answered with its own 10-0 blast to regain control, 101-81, at the 8:22 mark. The FiberXers would never look back from that point on.
Who Stood Out?
Cameron Clark, brought in to replace Jamaal Franklin, had a rousing debut with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 2 blocks while bringing some much-needed defensive intensity. Justin Arana backed him up with a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Juan Gomez de Liaño showed out with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. Tungcab was an early spark with his three first-quarter triples and 13 points overall, while Calvin Abueva was a firestarter as well, tallying 17 points and 11 boards off the bench.
For Terrafirma, Justin Strings led the way with 28 points and 11 boards even after a 1-for-10 start. Chiu had that fast start and finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Juami Tiongson added 21.
3 Keys to the Game
- Shooting. Converge shot lights out for much of the game, including in the first half where it shot over 55% from the field overall. For the game, the FiberXers were 46-for-86 for 53.5% and 11-for-23 from downtown for a 47.8% clip. In contrast, Terrafirma was 43.8% overall and 24.0% from the arc.
- Defense. Giving up 103 points doesn’t seem like playing good defense, but for a team that had surrendered 126, 119, and 110 points in its last three losses, that’s already something.
- Bench play. Terrafirma’s starters went toe-to-toe with Converge’s starting unit, even outscoring the latter, 84-70. The FiberXers’ second unit, however, made up that difference, scoring 50 points as opposed to the 19 scored by the Dyip’s reserves. Abueva’s 17 led the way, followed by 12 from Justine Baltazar and 9 each from Mikey Williams and Mike Garcia.
Next Up for the PBA
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | Ynares Center – Antipolo
San Miguel Beermen vs. Titan Ultra Giant Risers (5:15 p.m.)
Magnolia Hotshots vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters (7:30 p.m.)
