Converge Wallops Terrafirma, Eastern Routs Phoenix as PBA Commissioner’s Cup Begins

The PBA Commissioner’s Cup got underway on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena with its first double-header. Here is a recap of what went down:

Converge Wallops Hapless Terrafirma

Sloppy for long stretches, the Converge FiberXers still proved to be too good for the Terrafirma Dyip, racing out to an early 34-16 advantage and never looking back for an easy 116-87 victory.

Import Cheick Diallo led the way for Converge with a monstrous double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds in just 32 minutes of action. Justin Arana added 16 points and 12 boards for the FiberXers, whose 23 turnovers were about the only blemish to an otherwise dominant showing.

Conrad Catapusan, who scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, was a saving grace for the Dyip, who showed some signs of life in the third when they cut the Converge lead down to eight, 66-58, at one point. But the FiberXers would have none of it, bringing the hammer down with a backbreaking 20-6 run to push the lead back to 86-64.

Converged cruised from there, building as much as a 33-point lead en route to its first win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.  

Eastern Routs Cold-Shooting Phoenix

In the nightcap, guest team Hong Kong Eastern served notice to the rest of the league, handling the Phoenix Fuel Masters with relative ease on their way to a 102-87 triumph. 

Former San Miguel Beermen import Cameron Clark made a smashing return to the PBA, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks to lead Eastern. Ex-Bay Area Dragon Hayden Blankley also shone for the guest team, adding 18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in a brilliant all-around showing. His Bay Area brethren—Glen Yang and Kobey Lam—combined for 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 dimes.

Donovan Smith finished with 33 points and 11 rebounds in his debut for the Fuel Masters, who went ice-cold in the second half and shot just 40% from the field overall. Jason Perkins chipped in 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Games on Tap

The PBA Commissioner’s Cup continues today with another double-header, this time at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The first game will pit the NLEX Road Warriors and Northport Batang Pier. The second game will feature the Blackwater Bossing and Magnolia Hotshots.