Alec Stockton delivers the big hits late as Converge scrapes past Meralco for its third consecutive victory
MANILA, Philippines – Alec Stockton and Converge want to show the rest of the PBA that they are no longer pushovers.
Stockton delivered the big hits late, allowing the FiberXers to inch closer to a guaranteed playoff berth in the Governors’ Cup after a 105-97 victory over Meralco at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, September 18.
Determined to help turn around the fortunes of a franchise that struggled mightily last season, Stockton poured 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter as Converge clinched its third consecutive win.
“I think some learnings that we took from the past [season] was obviously, we’ve taken a lot of [losses],” said Stockton, who also put up 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals.
“We took that to consideration and we adjusted and we’re very motivated to prove ourselves this conference, especially… that we really want to make the playoffs and we want to prove something this conference.”
The FiberXers were indubitably the worst team last season after finishing last in the two conferences, compiling a 3-19 record.
But Converge has undergone a major revamp as it climbed to third place in Group A with a 5-4 record — well within the top-four cutoff for the quarterfinals.
And Stockton has played a crucial role in that resurgence, with the spitfire guard scoring 7 points in the 9-0 finishing run Converge used to turn a 96-97 deficit to the eight-point triumph.
Stockton drained a stepback three-pointer, a fadeaway jumper, and a pair of free throws in succession as he almost singlehandedly took the fight out of the Bolts.
“I really just want to give my best for my team to win, qualify for the playoffs. That is something that we missed last conference. We really want it bad this game,” said Stockton.
Jalen Jones topscored for the FiberXers with 32 points to go with 10 points and 2 steals in his PBA debut as a replacement for original Converge import Scotty Hopson, who got relegated to the injured/reserve list.
Big man Justin Arana had 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Schonny Winston and King Caralipio added 8 points each and combined for 12 rebounds in the win.
Allen Durham posted 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists for Meralco, which fell to 6-3 but remained at second place in Group A.
The Bolts were limited to just 3 points in the final 3:30 minutes as they struggled without Chris Newsome, who fouled out with 2:40 minutes left in the game.
Rookie CJ Cansino backstopped Durham with 21 points and 6rebounds, Newsome tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Bong Quinto netted 12 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.
The Scores
Converge 105 – Jones 32, Stockton 27, Arana 12, Winston 8, Caralipio 8, Delos Santos 7, Santos 6, Ambohot 3, Nieto 2, Melecio 0, Andrade 0, Vigan-Fleming 0, Fornilos 0.
Meralco 97 – Durham 25, Cansino 21, Newsome 14, Quinto 12, Banchero 10, Caram 6, Hodge 5, Bates 2, Almazan 2, Jose 0, Mendoza 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 29-30, 51-53, 79-77, 105-97.
– Rappler.com
