PBA: Converge weathers TNT's Q3 attack for 2nd straight win

Justin Arana dominated the paint for Converge. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Converge compounded into TNT's surprise early struggles in the PBA Philippine Cup after scoring a 100-94 win on Sunday night at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

The FiberXers, though, needed to escape a comeback attempt by the Tropang 5G in the second half to secure their second straight win.

Converge surprised TNT with a surging start and entered halftime ahead, 53-35.

The Tropang 5G, however, came alive in the third quarter, outscoring the FiberXers, 30-18, to cut the lead down to six, 71-65, entering the fourth.

However, Converge eventually took control of most of the final frame to keep TNT at bay.

Justin Arana led the FiberXers, now 3-2 in the standings, with 22 points on 11-of-18 shooting, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Balti Baltazar added 21 points on 7-of-9 field goals, 12 rebounds, and two assists.

Calvin Oftana's 33-point blast on 9-of-16 shooting, including 6-of-9 from the outside, along with three rebounds, four assists, and one steal, went down the drain as the Tropang Giga now lost back-to-back games to open their grand slam campaign.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno