ANTIPOLO – Aljun Melecio is enjoying the best stretch of his young career in the midst of Converge’s fiery streak in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The sophomore on Saturday reset his career-high to 24 points, starring in the FiberXers’ 108-84 decimation of NLEX as he helped steady the ship for a side that was without Quincy Miller after his ejection late in the first half.
It was actually the third time in this conference alone that he rewrote his personal scoring record. He first tallied 18 in a 106-102 win over San Miguel last October 21, before firing 20 in their 130-117 conquest of TNT a week later.
A huge reason behind that, he said, is being trusted enough by no less than head coach Aldin Ayo, who was also his mentor during his time in La Salle.
(C) PBA Images
“Mas loose ako ngayon, the way I play,” offered Melecio during the postgame press conference at the Ynares Center here.
“I know that kahit magkamali ako may tiwala pa rin coach ko sa’kin. That’s a big factor kaya ganito pa rin laro ko,” he furthered.
That, indeed, was evident, particularly against the Road Warriors. He was instrumental in keeping the Road Warriors at bay later, scoring 10 in a 16-6 run to put the game away after allowing the opposition to come within just 10.
As a result, Converge has now tied Phoenix Super LPG for the longest active winning streak in the league at five games.
And as fate would have it, the hottest teams are bound for a collision course as the FiberXers and the Fuel Masters duke it out on Wednesday.
That would also mark the first time that Melecio will face his former team — the 24-year-old guard was picked at 19th overall by the Dennis Uy-owned franchise back in the talent-laden 2021 Rookie Draft.
He’s looking forward to it.
“Excited,” he said, smiling.
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
