PBA: Scotty Hopson makes grand debut as Converge rips new-look Terrafirma

Scotty Hopson did not miss a shot from four-point range. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Scotty Hopson had himself a night in his PBA debut as he led Converge to a 127-95 blowout win against Terrafirma in their PBA Governors' Cup battle on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The 35-year-old veteran hit 46 points, hitting a perfect 3-for-3 from the new four-point range, eight rebounds, and three assists for the FiberXers, who gave Franco Atienza a win in his head coaching debut.

"What you saw tonight was a combination of our efforts in the preseason," said Hopson, who still got to be coached by Aldin Ayo during the Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament before Atienza replaced him as head coach.

The deciding factor was the third quarter, wherein Converge outscored Terrafirma, 47-18, to pull away for good.

"Scoring that much, I say, is an offshoot of how we defended," Atienza said.

Hopson finished 18-of-24 from the field as he too tallied one steal and two blocks.

Alec Stockton led the FiberXers' locals with 21 points on 7-of-8 shooting, one rebound, and one block. 

Stanley Pringle fired 19 points on 7-of-14 field goals, four rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in his first game for the Dyip. 

Returning players Antonio Hester and Kevin Ferrer each added 18 points with Hester also grabbing 10 rebounds

Christian Standhardinger also had a solid Terrafirma debut with 17 markers, six boards, and two dimes.

The Scores:

CONVERGE 127–Hopson 46, Stockton 21, Winston 14, Arana 13, Racal 9, Santos 5, Delos Santos 4, Melecio 4, Maagdenberg 3, Andrade 3, Fornilos 2, Nieto 2, Ambohot 0, Caralipio 0, Fleming 0

TERRAFIRMA 95–Pringle 19, Hester 18, Ferrer 18, Standhardinger 17, Tiongson 10, Ramos 5, Carino 4, Hanapi 2, Hernandez 2, Olivario 0, Cahilig 0

QUARTERS: 34-25, 53-49, 100-67, 127-95 

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