Second-Half Comeback by Stockton and Arana
Converge pulled off a thrilling 93-91 victory over Magnolia in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, held at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. Alec Stockton and Justin Arana spearheaded Converge’s comeback, scoring 16 and 14 of their respective points in the second half. The duo collaborated on the decisive play, with Stockton assisting Arana for a game-winning basket in the final seconds.
Key Moments in the Game
- Converge rallied from a 20-point deficit, tying the game at 91 after Stockton hit a crucial three-pointer.
- With 5.6 seconds remaining, Stockton found Arana under the basket to secure the lead.
- Magnolia’s Jerick Ahanmisi missed a potential game-winning triple in the final 2.6 seconds.
Player Contributions
- Alec Stockton: 18 points, 10 assists, including pivotal plays in the closing moments.
- Justin Arana: 24 points, instrumental in the second-half resurgence.
- Kevin Racal: Contributed 10 points to fuel the comeback and compensate for Cheick Diallo’s off-night (10 points but 16 rebounds).
- Magnolia’s Ricardo Ratliffe: Despite a shoulder injury, posted game-highs of 25 points and 19 rebounds.
- Jerom Lastimosa: Scored a career-high 14 points, leading Magnolia’s early surge.
Coach’s Remarks
Converge coach Franco Atienza praised his team’s resilience and belief in their system, likening the victory to a playoff experience for the young squad. Stockton echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Impact on Records
- Converge improved to a 2-1 record, bouncing back from their previous loss to Hong Kong Eastern.
- Magnolia dropped to 1-1, unable to maintain their dominant first-half performance.
This game showcased Converge’s determination and system-driven approach, making it a statement win against a seasoned contender.
The Scores :
CONVERGE 93 – Arana 24, Stockton 18, Racal 10, Diallo 10, Heading 8, Santos 8, Andrade 5, Winston 5, Nieto 3, Delos Santos 2.
MAGNOLIA
91 – Ratliffe 25, Lastimosa 14, Sangalang 12, Ahanmisi 12, Lee 10,
Lucero 10, Barroca 6, Laput 2, Dela Rosa 0, Dionisio 0.
QUARTERS : 22-26, 38-53, 67-75, 93-91
