Converge needed some time to get going before dealing Blackwater a 110-80 humiliation to get back to its winning ways in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, Sunday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The FiberXers actually trailed after the first 12 minutes of action but turned things around in the second quarter, and then went on a tear in the third canto as the opposition lost the spunk they had early and practically just gave up.
And eventually, the youth-laden unit went on to post its second-largest win margin in franchise history toward improving to 2-2 in the standings.
(C) PBA Images
“We know we will get our shots, but if we want to be a contender, we have to tighten up on our defense,” offered interim head coach Franco Atienza as he was pleased with how they limited the Bossing to their output.
“However cliche it may sound. If you want to go deep, your defense should be there.”
Five players finished in double figures in the dominant conquest, with lead big man Justin Arana leading the way with 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting and 11 rebounds — that, after being called for three personal fouls in the first half.
That, of course, was a cause of concern for the crew but he had already done enough damage at the time, having produced 13 and five as he helped lead their 28-14 assault in the second for the 49-38 lead entering the break.
Converge would never lift its foot on the gas pedal since, going full throttle in the third canto that saw Atienza’s wards outdo themselves by pouring 32 big points on the way to building an 81-53 lead entering the final period.
Justine Baltazar delivered 16 points and 10 rebounds. Deschon Winston scored 16 as well, while Rey Suerte had 11 which he all scored in the fourth quarter, where their lead rose to as high as 35.
Bryan Santos chipped in 10.
The FiberXers will look to build off the win when they take on the Grand Slam-seeking TNT on April 27, Sunday, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
(C) PBA Images
RK Ilagan, on the other hand, had 19 points on 14 attempts while Richard Escoto added 11 markers as the two were the only double-digit scorers for Blackwater, who fell to its second loss in as many outings.
The Bossing will next face NorthPort on April 25, Friday, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in a bid to break through into the win column.
The Scores:
Converge 111 – Arana 19, Winston 16, Baltazar 16, Suerte 11, B. Santos 10, Garcia 9, Delos Santos 7, Racal 5, Stockton 4, Fleming 4, Caralipio 4, Corpuz 3, R.Santos 2, Nermal 1.
Blackwater 80 – Ilagan 19, Escoto 11, Chua 9, Tungcab 9, Caperal 7, Kwekuteye 6, Barefield 5, Jopia 4, Guinto 3, Andrade 3, Ayonayon 2, Mitchell 2, Casio 0, Mallilin 0, David 0.
Quarterscores: 21-24, 49-38, 81-53, 111-80.
