Converge gave Aldin Ayo a rousing welcome by way of a 109-84 win over TNT in the PBA On Tour, Wednesday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
With their head coach back from attending to family matters, the FIberXers began to pull away in the second quarter and never let up from the point on towards collecting their second win in a row in the preseason tournament.
“Dahil siguro wala ako last game, ngayon, loose ‘yung mga players. That’s why they kept on hitting those shots,” said Ayo, who missed their 113-111 win over San Miguel last Sunday. “Not only hitting those shots, but executing as well.”
Jeo Ambohot powered Converge with a game-high 31 points on eight three-pointers, alongside eight rebounds in 33 minutes of play.
Eleven of his points came in the second period, where he played a key role in their 9-2 start for a 37-24 lead that turned the game in their favor.
“I think he’s inspired kasi kakapanganak lang ng misis niya,” said Ayo. “Pero palagi naman talaga namin siyang hinahanap. Good thing he connected.”
Jeron Teng supplied 19 points. Justin Arana posted all-around numbers of 18 points and 16 rebounds with six assists, a steal, and a block each.
Jerrick Balanza chipped in 14 points on three triples, while Mike Nieto added 10 markers as five FiberXers scored in double figures in the win.
Converge (3-3) will try to make it three straight wins against the 4-0 Rain or Shine on June 30, Friday, 5 p.m. still in the same venue.
Glenn Khobuntin, on the other hand, finished with 22 points to lead TNT, who remained winless after four games in the preseason tournament. Jaydee Tungcab had 15 points while Carl Cruz added 13 in the loss.
The Tropang Giga will next face Meralco in an all-MVP Group clash on June 28, Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Ynares Pasig in a bid to break through.
The Scores:
Converge 109 – Ambohot 31, Teng 19, Arana 18, Balanza 14, Nieto 10, Racal 8, Stockton 5, Luib 2, Ebona 2, Mendoza 0, Zaldivar 0.
TNT 84 – Khobuntin 22, Tungcab 15, Cruz 13, Cuntapay 9, Marcelo 7, Varilla 7, Jopia 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 3, Alfaro 2.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 55-42, 78-57, 109-84
