By REYNALD MAGALLON
Converge squandered a big lead but recovered just in time to stun San Miguel, 100-97, and close out the eliminations with a bang in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, June 11.
The FiberXers, after leading by as many as 17 in the first half, suddenly saw themselves trailing by nine, 76-85, before getting their bearings back by pulling off multiple defensive stops and Schonny Winston taking over for the team.
Winston fired 25 points – none bigger than a triple and an elbow jumper that put Converge back ahead for good, 94-93, with 2:40 left.
Justin Arana had 21 points while JL Delos Santos added 12 including the booming triple that followed up the Winston baskets to create a 99-94 separation late.
With the win, Converge improved to a 7-4 record, though the FiberXers will still have to wait for the results of the last two PBA game days to determine whether the team still has a chance at making it to the Top 4 and claiming the twice-to-beat advantage.
Cade Flores delivered a career-high performance as NorthPort pulled the rug from under playoff-bound NLEX, 113-108, to end an eight-game dry spell in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, June 11.
Taking a much bigger role on the team following the departure of Arvin Tolentino and William Navarro, Flores made the most of the opportunity, dropping 26 points – including 13 in the third quarter where the Batang Pier built a double-digit lead and enough to cushion a late fightback from the Road Warriors.
NorthPort actually exploded for 40 points during that frame as it took an 86-76 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Flores added 15 rebounds and two steals while Fran Yu also had a conference-high of 21 points – none bigger than a huge layup with 12 seconds left that gave NorthPort a 112-108 lead.
Calvin Abueva continued to be a positive influence for NorthPort since joining the team as part of the Navarro trade with 19 points and eight rebounds.
