Jolo Mendoza broke out as Converge ran past Phoenix Super LPG, 104-90, in the PBA On Tour, Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The draft aspirant out of Ateneo erupted for a game-high 26 points, 21 of which he manufactured just in the first half as he helped the FiberXers take control of the game for good after trailing by seven early in the second quarter.
He went 7-of-12 from beyond the arc, with his last one the most important as it keyed an 8-0 run that gave themselves a 94-76 advantage with only five minutes remaining in the game that practically secured the victory.
“We were struggling in the first half and it was Jolo who carried us in the first half, kasi kung hindi, lalayo sa amin ‘yung Phoenix,” said head coach Aldin Ayo.
Matt Nieto contributed 20 points and nine rebounds. Kevin Racal had 12 points, while Keith Zaldivar and Justin Arana supplied 11 and 10, respectively.
“Execution-wise, we’re doing good, we’re on the right track,” said Ayo. “And doon sa objectives namin for this preseason, nasa tama kaming sitwasyon.”
Converge (4-4) will next face Barangay Ginebra on July 16, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Sean Manganti, meanwhile, had 15 points to lead Phoenix, who failed to welcome returning interim head coach Jamike Jarin with a win.
Javee Mocon had 11 points and five assists while Larry Muyang added 11 markers in the defeat, which is now their second in a row.
Phoenix (3-5) will take on NorthPort next Friday, 7:30 p.m., still at Ynares Pasig.
The Scores:
Converge 104 – Mendoza 26, Nieto 20, Racal 12, Zaldivar 11, Stockton 9, Ambohot 9, Arana 8, Guinto 5, Ebona 2.
Phoenix Super LPG 90 – Manganti 15, Mocon 11, Muyang 10, Tio 9, Garcia 9, Camacho 9, Jazul 8, Lalata 8, Celda 6, Rangel 3, Alejandro 2, Fetalvero 0, Atienza 0.
Quarterscores: 21-26, 49-45, 72-68, 104-90.
