The Converge FiberXers got their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign off to a rousing start with a 104-75 manhandling of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Sunday. The Giant Risers, who dropped to 0-2, played without an import again, as they did in their tournament opener since James Milton’s FIBA clearance hadn’t been secured just yet.
What Happened?
It was a scattershot first quarter, with both teams missing early and looking out of sorts. But Converge did enough to build a 19-9 lead after one. The FiberXers finally found a rhythm in the second, firing 31 big points while holding Titan Ultra to just 17 to take a 50-26 lead to halftime. Converge didn’t let up come the second half, pouring in 28 more in the third and 27 in the fourth to complete the wire-to-wire dismantling of Titan Ultra.
Who Stood Out?
Jalen Hudson had a swashbuckling return to the PBA, putting up 20 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in just 24 minutes. He got plenty of help all around, with Justin Arana adding 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists; Calvin Abueva tallying 6 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists; and Juan Gomez De Liaño chipping in 2 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 dimes. Archie Concepcion also sparked Converge with 16 markers off the bench.
The importless Giant Risers leaned on the backcourt of Bryan Sajonia and Fran Yu, who each fired 14 markers. King Caralipio had his moments and scored 10 points, including back-to-back treys in the third.
3 Keys to the Game
- Shooting. The disparity in shooting percentage was glaring in this rout, as Converge shot 42.9% overall, while Titan Ultra shot a ghastly 28.7%. Some of that poor shooting was in part due to the FiberXers’ defense, and part of it was due to the Giant Risers either just missing or taking terrible shots.
- Points in the paint. With Arana anchoring the inside, Converge outscored Titan Ultra in the paint, 54-32. The FiberXers’ repeated inside incursions and the Giant Risers’ routinely settling for perimeter shots were other factors that led to the wide disparity in shooting percentage.
- Talent difference. Bottom line, Converge just had more talent than Titan Ultra. The latter having no import only widened the talent gulf between the two teams, and it showed all throughout the game.
Next Up for the PBA
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Ynares Center – Antipolo
- NLEX Road Warriors vs. Titan Ultra Giant Risers (5:15 p.m.)
- San Miguel Beermen vs. Macau Giant Pandas (7:30 p.m.)
