The Converge FiberXers finally snapped their four-game losing streak with a convincing 120-103 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip Tuesday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Leading the way for Converge was veteran forward Calvin Abueva, who earned Player of the Game honors after delivering another impressive all-around performance.
Abueva finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, recording his second consecutive double-double and providing the energy and physicality Converge needed to secure the important victory.
While Cameron Clark also made a major impact with 22 points, Abueva’s consistent effort throughout the contest helped set the tone for the FiberXers.
Abueva Leads the FiberXers
Abueva once again showcased the qualities that have made him one of the league’s most dependable veterans.
His 17-point, 11-rebound double-double gave Converge a strong presence on the boards while his aggressive style helped the FiberXers maintain their intensity against Terrafirma.
With the game becoming more competitive in the second half, Abueva remained active and continued contributing in different areas.
His performance was particularly valuable for a Converge team looking to recover after four consecutive losses.
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Cameron Clark Provides the Fourth-Quarter Spark
Although Abueva was named Player of the Game, Cameron Clark delivered one of the biggest moments of the contest.
The FiberXers’ second replacement import scored 22 points, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter. He also recorded five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Terrafirma managed to cut Converge’s lead to 91-81 early in the final period after trailing by as many as 29 points.
Clark answered the comeback attempt with two crucial three-pointers.
His shots sparked a 27-14 Converge run, allowing the FiberXers to rebuild their advantage to 118-95 and effectively put the game out of reach.
Converge Dominates the First Half
The FiberXers established control from the opening quarter at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Converge raced to a 38-23 lead after the opening period, using strong defense and efficient offense to put Terrafirma under pressure.
The FiberXers continued their impressive start in the second quarter, extending their advantage to 70-48 at halftime.
Converge maintained its control in the third period and entered the final quarter ahead, 91-79.
Terrafirma’s fourth-quarter surge briefly threatened to change the direction of the game, but Clark’s timely baskets and Abueva’s continued hustle helped Converge regain control.
Arana and Gomez de Liano Step Up
Converge received strong contributions throughout its lineup.
Justin Arana posted 20 points and 12 rebounds, giving the FiberXers another dominant presence in the paint.
Juan Gomez de Liano added 13 points, while Frederick Tungcab also scored 13 and helped Converge build its early lead.
Jeo Ambohot Baltazar contributed 12 points as Converge’s balanced attack made it difficult for Terrafirma to contain them.
The FiberXers finished with 120 points, demonstrating their offensive firepower throughout the game.
Strings Leads Terrafirma
For Terrafirma, Justin Strings led all scorers with 28 points.
However, Strings had to work hard for his production after scoring only nine points in the first half. He eventually found his rhythm but finished just 13-of-31 from the field.
Juami Tiongson added 21 points, while Geo Chiu recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, along with four blocks.
Jerrick Eriobu scored 12, while Jio Jalalon Ahanmisi contributed 10.
Despite their offensive production, the Dyip could not overcome Converge’s dominant first half.
Injury Trouble for Terrafirma
Terrafirma also suffered an injury setback involving JM Bravo.
Bravo left the game during the final 6:38 of the second quarter because of an apparent right shoulder injury.
He later returned but tweaked his left ankle early in the third period, forcing him to exit the contest for good.
Bravo finished with nine points.
Pineda Credits Team Meeting
Converge coach Delta Pineda said the team needed to regroup after suffering four straight defeats.
The FiberXers held a team meeting to address their problems, particularly their defensive shortcomings.
“Nag-usap naman kami ng mga bata, na kailangan naming mag-regroup, mag-refocus.”
Pineda said the team needed to recover what had been missing, especially on defense.
That renewed focus was evident early as Converge built a 22-point halftime advantage.
Important Win for Converge
The victory improved Converge’s record to 4-4, while Terrafirma dropped to 3-5.
Pineda stressed how important the matchup was because the two teams were closely positioned in the standings.
“Right now po kailangang kailangan namin itong panalo against Terra kasi sila po ang ka-tie namin.”
The win gives Converge a much-needed boost after its four-game losing streak.
NLEX Next for the FiberXers
Converge will now prepare for its next challenge against Group A leader NLEX on Friday.
With Abueva continuing to provide veteran leadership, Clark settling into his role as the team’s replacement import, and the rest of the FiberXers contributing offensively, Converge will look to build on its victory at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Final Score
Converge FiberXers – 120
Terrafirma Dyip – 103
Quarter Scores: 38-23, 70-48, 91-79, 120-103
Converge Leaders: Cameron Clark 22, Justin Arana 20, Calvin Abueva 17, Juan Gomez de Liano 13, Frederick Tungcab 13, Jeo Ambohot Baltazar 12.
Terrafirma Leaders: Justin Strings 28, Juami Tiongson 21, Geo Chiu 16, Jerrick Eriobu 12, Jio Jalalon Ahanmisi 10.
Player of the Game: Calvin Abueva — 17 points, 11 rebounds
Venue: Ynares Center, Antipolo
Calvin Abueva’s double-double, combined with Cameron Clark’s fourth-quarter explosion, helped the Converge FiberXers end their four-game skid in style, taking down Terrafirma, 120-103, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
