Converge Crushes Ginebra, 123-95

Converge FiberXers handed Barangay Ginebra a crushing 123-95 defeat in the PBA On Tour at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on July 16. 

The FiberXers’ deadly accuracy from beyond the arc proved the difference-maker as they knocked down an astonishing 18 three-pointers to subdue the Gin Kings.

Converge FiberXers’ victory catapulted them to a joint fifth position in the preseason series, tied with the NorthPort Batang Pier, with a 5-4 record. They now sit just half a game behind the Meralco Bolts, who hold a 6-4 record and occupy the fourth spot. 

Ayo and his team are within striking distance of the top three and have a chance to secure a higher seed if they can continue their winning ways in their last two games against the NLEX Road Warriors and the Batang Pier.

On the other hand, Barangay Ginebra suffered a setback, dropping to a 4-5 record after losing two consecutive games. Their previous defeat came at the hands of the Meralco Bolts, where they fell short with a 93-106 scoreline.

The FiberXers displayed their offensive prowess by building on their previous dominant performance against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, whom they defeated 104-90. This time, they relied on an impressive collective effort led by Justin Arana, Adrian Wong, Jeron Teng, and Mike Nieto.

Arana stood out with a stellar all-around performance, registering a game-high 30 points, an impressive 15 rebounds and four assists. While Arana dominated the paint, Wong, Teng, and Nieto unleashed a barrage of three-pointers from long range.

Adrian Wong was on fire from beyond the arc, knocking down eight triples to score 26 points. Mike Nieto contributed 17 points, with four successful three-pointers of his own, while Jeron Teng showcased his versatility with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.

Converge FiberXers’ sharpshooting was the decisive factor in the game, outscoring Barangay Ginebra 18-6 in three-point shooting.

Despite the loss, Barangay Ginebra had notable individual performances from Nards Pinto and Sidney Onwubere, both scoring 19 points apiece. The Kings, missing some of their core players, also received significant contributions from Jeremiah Gray, who put up 17 points, and Jayson David, who added 14 points.

As the PBA On Tour continues, Converge FiberXers will look to maintain their momentum and secure a higher seeding in the Top Six. At the same time, Barangay Ginebra will aim to bounce back and finish the preseason strong in preparation for the upcoming PBA season.

With electrifying performances and intense competition, PBA fans can look forward to more exciting games as the teams battle for supremacy in the preseason series presented by Arena Plus and sponsored by Bingo Plus.

The box scores:

CONVERGE 123—Arana 30, Wong 26, Teng 18, Nieto 17, Racal 13, Ambohot 7, Mendoza 6, Stockton 6, Ebona 0, Guinto 0.

GINEBRA 95—Pinto 19, Onwubere 19, Gray 17, David 14, Gumaru 6, Pessumal 6, Aguilar 4, Salcedo 4, Aurin 2, Cu 2, Ubalde 2, Dillinger 0.

Quarters: 27-19, 52-47, 84-69, 123-95.