Converge shuts down Magnolia late, scores maiden PBA win

Jeron Teng once again led Converge in scoring. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Converge turned to the heroics of RK Ilagan and a solid lockdown defense on Magnolia late in their game to pull off an 89-82 overtime win in their PBA Philippine Cup game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

In their historic first win in Asia's premier play-for-pay basketball league, the FiberXers finished the game on an 11-0 run spanning from the last 1:21 of the regulation until the entire overtime period even as they held the Hotshots scoreless for the last 7:05 of the game.

Highlighting Converge's comeback were back-to-back three-pointers from Ilagan, one that forced overtime at 82-all with 3.6 seconds left in regulation and another being the go-ahead triple in the first play of the extension that sparked the team's 7-0 overtime shutdown against Magnolia.

Jeron Teng led the FiberXers with 19 points, seven rebounds, and one assist, while Ilagan and Maverick Ahanmisi each added 14 points to lead their bench mob.

Ian Sangalang put up 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and three blocks for the Hotshots, but he fouled out with 2:51 left in overtime which spelled doom for them.

Calvin Abueva added 13 points, 13 rebounds, two steals, and one block.

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