Converge opens new era with rout vs Terrafirma at start of PBA Comm's Cup

Cheick Diallo dominated in his PBA debut. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Converge ushered in the next chapter of its PBA story with a 116-87 blowout win against Terrafirma at the start of the Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Now bolstered by Jordan Heading, the FiberXers quickly raced to a 34-16 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back from there.

Mike Nieto helped Converge preserve its huge lead against Terrafirma with 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range, two rebounds, and one assist.

Cheick Diallo impressed in his PBA debut with 25 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal, while Justin Arana added 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists.

Heading put up eight points, four rebounds, and six assists in his much-anticipated first PBA game.

CJ Catapusan led Terrafirma with 13 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one block, while Ryan Richards put up 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists.

Terrence Romeo sat out the game due to an injury, but he still attended the game, while Vic Manuel was out due to an illness.

The Scores :

CONVERGE 116 – Diallo 25, Arana 16, Santos 12, Nieto 11, Heading 8, Winston 7, Stockton 7, Ambohot 6, Fleming 6, Andrade 5, Racal 5, Fornilos 3, Javillonar 3, Santos 2, Cabagnot 0.

TERRAFIRMA 87 – Catapusan 13, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Nonoy 11, Richards 10, Carino 8, Hernandez 6, Ramos 5, Melecio 4, Paraiso 3, Ferrer 3, Zaldivar 2, Hanapi 2

QUARTERS: 34-16, 59-42, 86-67, 116-87

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