MANILA, Philippines – Converge celebrated Christmas by extending its winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup following a 110-94 romp of Meralco at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, December 25.
Jordan Heading gifted the FiberXers an all-around performance of 30 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds as the team picked up its fourth straight win in its first Christmas Day appearance.
Import Cheick Diallo produced 24 points and 19 rebounds with 2 blocks, while Justine Baltazar tallied 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the breezy win that saw Converge lead by as many as 20 points.
But for FiberXers head coach Franco Atienza, the result had much to do with the Bolts — the reigning Philippine Cup champion — being beset with injuries.
Meralco only recently activated import Akil Mitchell, who missed two games due to a fractured nose, and Allein Maliksi, who made his conference debut.
“This is a championship-caliber team and they are plagued with injuries,” said Atienza. “Maybe we were lucky they were not at their best form, although they really competed now.
“We were just lucky that we got Meralco when they were not super 100 percent. Not taking anything away from them, but we believe they are a far more better team.”
Heading (14), Diallo (13), and Baltazar (12) all scored in double figures in the first half as Converge mounted a 58-41 cushion and never looked back.
That lead grew its biggest at 94-74 off a layup by top draft pick Baltazar, who netted his season high in points after a rather slow start to his PBA career.
Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton added 11 and 10 points, respectively, in the victory that improved the FiberXers record to 6-2.
Mitchell tallied 29 points and 18 rebounds for Meralco, which absorbed its second consecutive defeat after winning its first three games.
Bong Quinto backstopped Mitchell with 23 points.
Converge 110 – Heading 30, Diallo 24, Baltazar 16, Winston 11, Stockton 10, Arana 7, Andrada 5, Racal 3, Delos Santos 2, Santos 2, Fornillos 0, Nieto 0, Ambohot 0, Caralipio 0, Javillonar 0.
Meralco 94 – Mitchell 29, Quinto 23, Hodge 10, Newsome 9, Banchero 6, Maliksi 5, Reyson 3, Pascual 3, Black 2, Rios 2, Caram 2, Torres 0.
Quarters: 26-20, 58-41, 85-66, 110-94.
– Rappler.com
