PBA: Converge shrugs off trade talks, ousts upset-seeking Terrafirma

Balti Baltazar shone anew for Converge as the team now awaits the final ruling on the Jordan Heading-Mikey Williams trade. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Amid the talks about an impending trade between Jordan Heading and Mikey Williams, Converge toughened its mindset in the fourth quarter to take down Terrafirma, 117-103, in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Surprisingly down for most of the game, the FiberXers completed the turnaround in the final frame, outscoring the Dyip, 29-11, to pull away for good.

King Caralipio led Converge, which moved up to 6-4, with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 on threes, 10 rebounds, and one assist.

Balti Baltazar, Alec Stockton, and Justin Arana each added 17 markers, with Baltazar (10 rebounds) and Arana (13) each tallying a double-double in the process.

The FiberXers will have a long break before battling the San Miguel Beermen in their last elimination round game on June 11, which means Converge has two full weeks to sign Williams and instill him into the system if the PBA trade committee approves the trade that would send Heading to TNT.

Stanley Pringle put up 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals for Terrafirma, which is now officially out of playoff contention in what could likely be its final conference in the PBA amid an impending franchise sale to the Zamboanga Valientes.

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