PBA: Late Alec Stockton takeover lifts Converge past Meralco

Alec Stockton took over for Converge late against Meralco. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Alec Stockton came alive within the final 1:32 of the game to lead Converge to a 105-97 win against Meralco in their PBA Governors' Cup second-round meeting on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Stockton was involved in the FiberXers' last nine points as they pulled away late to down the Bolts and take solo third place in Group A.

After CJ Cansino hit three free throws to give Meralco its last taste of the lead at 97-96, Stockton hit a corner three to put Converge back up, 99-97.

After Cansino missed a four-pointer, Stockton scored a jumper to up the lead to four.

Stockton had some little hiccup when he was called for a technical foul for second motion following a foul against Chris Banchero, but Cansino missed his technical free throw and Stockton hit his two regular charities to make it a six-point game, 103-97.

Banchero and Allen Durham missed their long-range attempts, and Stockton found Jalen Jones wide open for the two-handed dunk to put the exclamation point.

Stockton finished with 27 points, 12 in the fourth quarter, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals for the FiberXers, who moved up to 5-4.

Despite his struggles from deep, Jones had a solid PBA debut with 32 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Converge can seal the third seed if they beat Magnolia on Monday night also at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Durham led Meralco, which fell to 6-3, with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Cansino added 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two steals.

Chris Newsome put up 14 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist, but he sat out the last 2:41 of the game after he was called for his sixth foul.

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