The Converge FiberXers returned to winning ways with a statement 111-92 victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Philippine Cup, held Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Leading the charge was Alec Stockton, who delivered his finest game as a pro with a personal season-high of 33 points.
Stockton’s Career Night Powers Converge
The 26-year-old guard came alive early, scoring 13 of his points in the second quarter to break the game wide open and pull Converge away from a close contest. He then poured in eight more points in the fourth quarter to seal the win and ensure there would be no comeback from NorthPort.
“We’re not close to where we want to be,” Stockton said after the game. “Just keep on progressing, try and get a playoff spot and work from there.”
Stockton shot 11-of-21 from the field, including an efficient 5-of-9 from three-point range, showcasing his growing confidence and importance in Converge’s system.
Support from Winston, Arana, and Baltazar
While Stockton stole the spotlight, the rest of the FiberXers played their roles to near perfection. Schonny Winston added 22 points, while big men Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar both recorded double-doubles.
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Justin Arana: 18 points, 14 rebounds
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Justine Baltazar: 10 points, 11 rebounds
Arana, in particular, was dominant in the paint, with his free throw at the 4:07 mark of the final quarter giving Converge its largest lead of the night at 107-84.
Coach Atienza Credits Defensive Turnaround
Head coach Franco Atienza was pleased with how his team responded after a disappointing 66-85 loss to Barangay Ginebra just six days earlier. For him, the win wasn’t just about scoring but more about returning to the team’s identity—defense.
“It’s a good bounce back game for us. Somehow bumalik kami on how we want to play our game, specifically on defense,” said Atienza.
Converge limited NorthPort to 92 points—well below their usual average of around 100—while the FiberXers themselves exploded offensively, shooting 51.8% from the field compared to only 31% in their last outing.
Playoff Picture: Eyes on a Twice-to-Beat Advantage
The win improved Converge’s record to 5-3, placing them firmly in the hunt for one of the top playoff spots in the PBA Philippine Cup. With three games left in the elimination round, their next challenge comes against NLEX.
Coach Atienza made it clear that while the victory was crucial, the real test lies ahead.
“Balewala ito if we don’t win those games and get a good position doon sa playoffs.”
That mindset was echoed by Stockton, who emphasized the need to maintain momentum and stay focused.
NorthPort Struggles Continue Without Tolentino
On the other side, NorthPort suffered its fifth straight loss, dropping their record to the lower end of the standings. Once again, they were without their star forward Arvin Tolentino, who sat out due to hip issues.
Despite the absence, Joshua Munzon managed to tally 23 points, while William Navarro added 20 points and 9 rebounds before cramps forced him out late in the game. But the rest of the team struggled to keep pace.
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Cade Flores & James Kwekuteye: Combined 26 points
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Team shooting: 36-of-89 from the field
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Three-point defense: Allowed 10 Converge triples
Coach Bonnie Tan continues to search for answers as his team grapples with injuries and inconsistencies on both ends of the floor.
Key Takeaways: Converge on the Rise, NorthPort in Need of Urgency
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Converge’s defense was the difference, holding a high-scoring NorthPort squad to just 92 points.
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Stockton’s career-high night proves he’s becoming a reliable leader for the FiberXers.
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Balanced offense and rebounding dominance were crucial, especially with Arana and Baltazar controlling the paint.
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NorthPort continues to slide, missing the presence of Tolentino and showing signs of fatigue in key moments.
What’s Next for Converge and NorthPort?
🏀 For Converge:
They face NLEX next Friday in a pivotal matchup that could further cement their playoff positioning and open the door for a twice-to-beat advantage.
🏀 For NorthPort:
Urgency is rising. With their playoff hopes slipping, they’ll need a quick turnaround and a healthy roster to make a final push.
Alec Stockton’s breakout night not only lifted Converge to victory but also re-energized their campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup. With strong defensive focus, improving offensive chemistry, and playoff seeding on the line, the FiberXers seem poised to make noise down the stretch.
Meanwhile, NorthPort finds itself at a crossroads, needing both health and hustle to get back on track.
Stay tuned as the PBA elimination round heats up—every game counts now.
The Scores :
CONVERGE 111 – Stockton 33, Winston 22, Arana 18, Baltazar 10, B.Santos 7, Caralipio 7, Garcia 6, Suerte 4, Fleming 2, Nermal 2, Ambohot 0, R.Santos 0, Racal 0, Delos Santos 0.
NORTHPORT 92 – Munzon 23, Navarro 20, Flores 14, Kwekuteye 12, Bualandi 6, Miranda 5, Jalalon 4, Nelle 3, Onwubere 3, Cuntapay 2, Yu 0, Nava 0, Taha 0.
QUARTERS: 16-19, 50-40, 82-64, 111-92