PBA: Converge more solid outside to beat Phoenix

Alec Stockton fired five threes to lead Converge's outside attack. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Converge showed that it can be a deadly perimeter threat on Saturday night after torching Phoenix from deep for a 128-114 win in their PBA Philippine Cup game at the Ynares Center 1 in Antipolo.

In an uncommon moment where their three-point shooting was better than their inside and middle-range scoring percentage-wise, the FiberXers went 15-for-25 from beyond the 22-foot arc for 60 percent, which was better than their field goal clip from inside the arc.

Leading their outside charge was Alec Stockton, who went 5-for-8 from three-point range to finish with a team-high 22 points along with three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

However, Converge's inside scoring was also impressive as the team went 31-for-60 on two-pointers, and they finished just a shade below 53 percent from the field.

Justin Arana was at his usual self as he went 8-for-15 from the field for 17 points with seven rebounds, three assists, one block, and two steals.

Balti Baltazar came just close to perfection as he went 5-for-6 from the field for 13 points with 12 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.

Juan Gomez De Liano continued his stellar rookie campaign with his third double-double in four games, tallying 19 points and 12 assists with four rebounds and two steals.

Schonny Winston also tallied 17 markers with three rebounds and seven dimes off the bench as his team joined TNT and Magnolia at the top of the standings at 3-1.

Jason Perkins, Ricci Rivero, and Kai Ballungay carried the fight for Phoenix, which dropped to the bottom with Terrafirma and Titan Ultra at 1-3, with 27, 23, and 21 points, respectively.