Six straight games and counting and Converge has been unstoppable in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The FiberXers outlasted Phoenix Super LPG, 132-127, in a thrilling, high-scoring duel that favored Converge coach Aldin Ayo on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The FiberXers shot 42.3 percent from the three-point area (22-of-52) with import Quincy Miller and dead shot guard RK Ilagan leading the way.
Miller, a veteran from the National Basketball Association, produced 46 points on top of 18 rebounds while dishing out five assists, blocking three shots and picking up two steals.
Ilagan, the pint-sized gunner from San Sebastian, hit 6-of-10 shots from the three-point region on his way to ending up with a career-high 22 points.
Overshadowed by the hot-shooting performers was their teammate, Jeron Teng, who went a rebound short of posting a double-double performance. He had a monster game of 25 points and nine rebounds.
Converge’s 22 three-point shots made matched the fourth all-time three-point shots made and its output was the second most points in a game this season after Bay Area hit 133 against Blackwater on 21 September this year.
With the FiberXers on target, they became the league’s first rookie squad to set the record for most points in the last 29 years since Sta. Lucia, then a newcomer team, beat Swift, 148-142, in overtime on 19 November 1993.
Setting personal and previous records aside, Converge has now vaulted its way to solo second spot of the team standings as it improved its win-loss record to 7-2.
The Fuel Masters saw their five-game winning run snapped by the streaking FiberXers, who now have a chance of boosting their bid for a top two berth with three games left on their schedule.
Converge’s victory also spoiled the return of Jason Perkins, who came back after undergoing knee surgery.
Perkins finished with 14 points, hitting all but one of his shots from the field.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 132 – Miller 46, Teng 25, Ilagan 22, Ahanmisi 13, Melecio 9, Arana 6, Stockton 6, Murrell 5, Ambohot 0, Bulanadi 0, Tratter 0
PHOENIX 127 – Wesson 25, Mocon 17, Anthony 17, Serrano 17, Perkins 14, Tio 12, Jazul 12, Garcia 3, Manganti 4, Camacho 2, Pascual 2, Robles 2, Rios 0
QUARTERS: 36-36, 73-74, 107-102, 132-127
