NLEX, Converge get back on track

Tempo Desk
3 Min Read

By REYNALD MAGALLON

 

Juan Gomez De Liano notched another triple-double as Converge got back on the winning track with a 125-108 victory over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The prized rookie scattered 17 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to spearhead a balanced attack for the FiberXers who had eight players scoring in double figures.
It was already his second triple-double of his young PBA career, having achieved the same feat during his debut against Titan Ultra.
Alec Stockton actually led the scoring with 22 points while twin towers Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar each had a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, and 12 point and 11 rebounds, respectively.
MJ Garcia added 15 while Schonny Winston had 10. New additions Larry Muyang and John Lloyd Clemente each finished with 10 in a show of a new-found depth for Converge which proved to be too much for Terrafirma.
The FiberXers bounced back from their setback at the hands of the TNT Tropang 5G to improve to a 2-1 record while the Dyip slid to a 1-2 slate.

Meanwhile, Kevin Alas came through with the big hits down the stretch as NLEX survived a fiery Phoenix rally to hack out an 87-81 victory.

The veteran playmaker nailed a booming four and then a tough stepback jumper over lanky defender Kai Ballungay to help the Road Warriors overcome a last-ditch comeback effort from the hard-fighting Road Warriors.
With Phoenix cutting the NLEX lead down to just two, 74-76, behind a blistering 16-0 run, Alas came to the rescue and restored order with a huge four-pointer that triggered a crucial 7-0 run.
The Fuel Masters, though, refused to back down and still threatened, coming within two, 81-83, after back-to-back baskets from Tyler Tio and Ricci Rivero.
Alas, however, had other plans in mind, taking it hard to the basket before pulling back for the fadeaway that gave NLEX enough breathing room, 85-81, with 42 seconds left.NLEX, Converge get back on track
Alas erupted for 26 points built on two fours to carry NLEX back to the win column for a 2-1 record.
Anthony Semerad, who also had a crucial trey in the payoff period, finished with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds. JB Bahio also added 11 and Xyrus Torres added 10.
Robert Bolick had nine points, nine assists and seven rebounds in his first game after missing NLEX’s first two outings.
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