Converge recovers from slow start, edges Rain or Shine to get back on track

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Alec Stockton takes over late as Converge turns back Rain or Shine after trailing by 17 points in the first quarter

MANILA, Philippines – The Converge FiberXers returned to their winning form in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after turning back the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-96, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, January 14.

Converge stormed back from an early 17-point disadvantage in the first quarter to rise to solo second with a 7-3 record and push Rain or Shine down to a 5-3 card. 

After a quiet 7-point performance in their narrow loss to the TNT Tropang Giga last Saturday, January 11, Converge star Alec Stockton redeemed himself as he fired a team-best 21 points, with 17 coming in the fourth and final quarter alone.

With their import Cheick Diallo being held to only 8 points on 2-of-6 shooting, Stockton got much-needed help from Jordan Heading, who produced 17 points, and Justin Arana and Kevin Racal, who chipped in 15 and 13 markers, respectively.

After trailing 10-27 at the 3:15 mark of the opening frame, the FiberXers turned things around and finished the first half on a 37-16 rally for a 47-43 edge at the break.

Converge then built its first double-digit lead of the game halfway through the third period, 66-56, before Rain or Shine uncorked its own furious 13-2 run to reclaim the lead, 69-68, at the 2:06 mark of the quarter, shortly after its head coach Yeng Guiao got ejected for incurring two technical fouls.

However, that was the Elasto Painters’ final taste of the lead as Stockton and the rest of the FiberXers completely took control of the game in the fourth quarter, restoring a double-digit cushion with 9:54 to play in the game, 81-71.

Jhonard Clarito topscored for Rain or Shine with 24 points, while import Deon Thompson saw his monster 22-point, 22-rebound performance go down the drain.

The Scores 

Converge 103 – Stockton 21, Heading 17, Arana 15, Racal 13, Diallo 8, Baltazar 8, Winston 7, Delos Santos 6, Santos 6, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0, Nieto 0.

Rain or Shine 96 – Clarito 24, Thompson 22, Belga 14, Santillan 6, Nocum 7, Asistio 5, Tiongson 5, Ildefonso 2, Norwood 0, Datu 0, Lemetti 0.

Quarters: 17-30, 47-43, 73-69, 103-96. 

– Rappler.com