Converge FiberXers moved one step closer to a historic semifinals appearance in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after a dominant 130-118 victory over Rain or Shine at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. The team showcased its superior inside game, led by a stellar performance from import Cheick Diallo, to secure a crucial Game 1 win in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Dominant Inside Game Leads Converge to Victory
Cheick Diallo was unstoppable, delivering 35 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks, while frontcourt teammates Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar provided strong support. Arana contributed 22 points and eight rebounds off the bench, while Baltazar chipped in with 13 points and six boards. Their combined effort helped Converge break away in the fourth quarter, sealing the win with a decisive 17-4 run.
Perimeter Support and Defensive Adjustments
With Rain or Shine tightening its defense inside, Jordan Heading, Schonny Winston, and Alec Stockton stepped up from the perimeter, combining for 51 points to keep the FiberXers in control.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine struggled, particularly with their import Deon Thompson fouling out early in the third quarter after scoring just 14 points and six rebounds. His absence forced the Elasto Painters to play all-Filipino for the final 20 minutes, which Converge took full advantage of.
Coach Atienza Acknowledges Key Breaks
Converge’s acting coach, Franco Atienza, admitted that Thompson's early exit was a major factor in their win. "Whenever the opposing team loses their import, it’s a huge advantage," he said.
Despite a conference-high 23 points from Caelan Tiongson and 14 points each from Anton Asistio and Adrian Nocum, Rain or Shine couldn’t sustain their early momentum. The Elasto Painters had a blazing 34-17 start, but Converge dominated the boards (47-32 rebound advantage) and outscored them on second-chance points, ultimately taking control of the game.
One Step Away from History
With this victory, Converge is now just one win away from its first-ever semifinals appearance since acquiring the Alaska franchise in the 2022-23 season. They will look to close out the series on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Arana expressed the team’s determination: "We’re eager to make history. Hopefully, we get the win on Friday and secure our first semis spot."
Will Converge finish the job and make history? Or will Rain or Shine force a Game 3? All eyes will be on the crucial matchup this Friday.
The Scores :
CONVERGE 130 - Diallo 35, Arana 22, Heading 21, Winston
17, Stockton 13, Baltazar 13, Delos Santos 4, Santos 3, Racal 2, Ambohot
0.
RAIN OR SHINE 118 - Tiongson 23, Asistio 14, Nocum 14,
Thompson 14, Datu 12, Clarito 10, Ildefonso 9, Caracut 8, Lemetti 6,
Belga 5, Santillan 3.
QUARTERS: 26-39, 64-62, 99-96, 130-118
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