Converge draw level with Rain or Shine in PBA quarterfinals
Eight FiberXers scored in double figures in the 130-125 victory, while Adrian Nocum recorded a career-high 18 assists for Rain or Shine.
A 130-125 victory over Rain or Shine gave Converge a 1-1 series score in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on October 30. The FiberXers won the second game of the best-of-five contest at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Mikey Williams supplied a late three-pointer that extended Converge’s advantage to 127-123 with 35.2 seconds remaining. Cameron Clark then forced a turnover with a steal, and Calvin Abueva converted two foul shots. Deo Cuajao made two of his four free throws before Alec Stockton added a final point from the line.
Rain or Shine had fought back from a 14-point half-time deficit. Adrian Nocum brought the teams level at 120-120 through a three-pointer with 3:15 remaining, but Clark’s two free throws and a Stockton basket put Converge back in front. Luis Villegas then answered with a three-pointer.
Clark led Converge’s scoring with 22 points, while Juan Gomez-de Liano contributed 20 alongside eight assists and seven rebounds. Stockton scored 18, as did Justine Baltazar, who also secured 11 rebounds. Abueva supplied 13 points from the bench, followed by Justine Arana with 12, Jaydee Tungcab with 11 and Williams with 10.
Aaron Fuller recorded 26 points and 15 rebounds for Rain or Shine. Nocum and Jhonard Clarito added 22 points each. PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III said Nocum’s 18 assists established a Rain or Shine franchise record. The tally was also Nocum’s career best.
