Converge big man Justine Baltazar in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Converge pummelled Blackwater, 127-109, on Sunday night to notch solo second in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and tie a franchise milestone.
The FiberXers rode the hot hands of Jordan Heading and highly touted rookie Justine Baltazar to win its 8th game after 11 meetings—a record for the young telco club.
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The win, fashioned at Ynares Center in Antipolo City, matched the franchise’s all-time record which happened two seasons ago in the same tournament when the team was still coached by Aldin Ayo with Quincy Miller as its reinforcement.
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The night, however, was dampened by an injury to Justin Arana, who hyperextended his knee during the match. He was, fortunately, able to leave the hilltop venue on his own.
Heading had 22 points while Baltazar 20—the finest of his young PBA career which he paired with 10 rebounds. Import Cheick Diallo was just as big with 20 and 10.
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Blackwater leaned on import George King, who put up 34 points while Jaydee Tungcab added 20 for the club which slid to 2-8 in the standings.
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Converge, which is the second-best club now behind TNT, can lock up the twice-to-beat bonus with one more game left to play: Against powerhouse San Miguel which they pushed to the limit in the quarterfinals of the previous conference.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 127 – Heading 22, Baltazar 20, Diallo 20, Stockton 19, Delos Santos 10, Winston 10, Santos 8, Nieto 8, Arana 7, Racal 3, Caralipio 0, Andrade 0
BLACKWATER 109 – King 34, Tungcab 20, Chua 16, David 14, Kwekuteye 10, Casio 6, Corteza 4, Ponferrada 3, Guinto 2, Montalbo 0, Ayonayon 0, Jopia 0
Quarterscores: 33-26, 70-56, 97-88, 127-109.
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