Jerrick Balanza drained the go-ahead layup as Converge extended San Miguel’s misery in the PBA On Tour to three games, scoring a 113-111 victory in overtime, Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Fiberxers also halted their own three-game slump for their second win in five outings. The Beermen dropped to 2-4.
“It was a group effort from the staff and the team. We’ve been doing this for less than one year and the players are putting in the work sa practice,” said Converge assistant coach Franco Atienza, who took charge as head coach Aldin Ayo was not around due to personal reasons.
Alec Stockton knotted the game at 111 after drilling a stepback triple with 17.7 seconds left in extra period then Converge’s defense went to play.
In the ensuing possession, Mo Tautuaa was stripped in his attempt to score as Balanza broke free for the eventual game-winner with 1.9 seconds left.
The Beermen were not able to put up a shot off a timeout as Jericho Cruz fumbled the inbound of Marvin Lee.
Stockton went 10-of-13 from the field for 23 points to go with nine assists, while Kevin Racal notched a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Balanza had 15 points, while Justin Arana and Mike Nieto contributed 13 points apiece for the Fiberxers.
Jericho Cruz erupted for 41 points on a 13-of-26 clip from the field for San Miguel. He also had five rebounds and four assists.
Tautuaa backed him with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Lee and Rodney Brondial made 13 points each.
Converge will play TNT on Wednesday, while San Miguel would not be back until June 28 at the same Pasig venue where it will face NLEX.
The Scores:
Converge 113 – Stockton 23, Racal 16, Nieto 13, Balanza 13, Arana 13, Teng 12, Ebona 9, Zaldivar 5, Luib 5, Mendoza 2, Ambohot 0, Guinto 0
San Miguel 111– Cruz 41, Tautuaa 15, Lee 13, Brondial 13, Bulanadi 9, Faundo 8, Romeo 5, De Vera 3, Baclao 2, Apacible 0, Saldua 0, , Lazarte 0
Quarterscores: 15-24, 32-43, 65-69, 99-99, 113-111
