Converge’s Dominant Performance
Converge FiberXers opened their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign with a commanding 116-87 victory over Terrafirma Dyip at the PhilSports Arena. The FiberXers took control early and never looked back, showcasing an all-around team performance. Key contributors included import Cheick Diallo, who tallied 25 points and 16 rebounds, and a strong supporting cast led by Justin Arana, Bryan Santos, Mike Nieto, Jordan Heading, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston.
Statistical Dominance
Converge excelled in both shooting and rebounding:
- Field goals: 43-of-83 (51.8%)
- Three-pointers: 14-of-32 (43.8%)
- Rebounds: 70-35 advantage over Terrafirma
Coach Franco Atienza praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the process and teamwork displayed in their season opener. He noted the team’s synchronization and ability to dictate the pace of the game.
Terrafirma’s Struggles
Terrafirma faced significant challenges, including the absence of key players Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel (recently acquired from San Miguel Beer) and the injured Christian Standhardinger. Rookie CJ Catapusan (13 points) and Stanley Pringle (11 points) led the Dyip in scoring. However, their import Ryan Richards struggled, managing just 10 points on 5-of-16 shooting and finding it difficult to adapt to the fast pace of the game.
Key Moments
- Terrafirma trimmed the deficit to eight points twice in the third quarter (62-70).
- Kevin Racal’s corner three ignited a decisive 16-2 run that extended Converge’s lead to 86-64.
- Jeo Ambohot sealed the win with consecutive triples, stretching the lead to 116-83.
Coach Atienza’s Perspective
While satisfied with the win, Atienza emphasized that the result is not indicative of the team’s overall campaign prospects. “It’s really early… just the first game,” he remarked, maintaining a focus on continued improvement.
This emphatic victory sets a strong tone for Converge’s season while highlighting areas for growth for Terrafirma under new head coach Raymond Tiongco.
The Scores :
CONVERGE – Diallo 25, Arana 16, Santos 12, Nieto 11, Heading 8, Winston 7, Stockton 7, Ambohot 6, Fleming 6, Andrade 5, Racal 5, Fornilos 3, Javillonar 3, Santos 2, Cabagnot 0.
TERRAFIRMA – Catapusan 13, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Nonoy 11, Richards 10, Carino 8, Hernandez 6, Ramos 5, Melecio 4, Paraiso 3, Ferrer 3, Zaldivar 2, Hanapi 2.
QUARTERS : 34-16, 59-42, 86-67, 116-87
