The Converge FiberXers started off the 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on the right foot with a blowout victory over Terrafirma Dyip, 116-87, on opening night, November 27, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
On the get-go, Converge dominated, ending the first quarter with an 18-point lead, 34-16, and Terrafirma never got to trim the deficit.
FiberXers import Chiek Diallo debuted with an impressive performance of 25 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Among the Converge locals, Justin Arana led the team with a double-double of his own, 16 points and 12 boards.
Brian Santos also had an impressive outing with a dozen markers, while Mike Nieto was hailed as the player of the game, contributing 11 points, two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes
On the other side of the fence, newcomer CJ Catapusan led Dyip with 13 points, six rebounds and two assists. Import Ryan Earl Richards struggled, shooting only 5-of-16 from the field to finish with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
In his first game in the PBA, Jordan Heading tallied eight points, seven rebounds and six assists.
“So far, so good. I think he really played very well,” said Converge head coach Franco Atienza. “He is slowly understanding what we want to do on both ends of the floor. I think for a first game, he exceeded our expectations. But the main thing is would be how we be able to fuse him in to what we want to do.”
Terrence Romeo and Christian Standhardinger were not able to suit up for Terrafirma. On the other side, top rookie Justin Baltazar has yet to play in his first PBA game as he is still finishing his duties in the MPBL for the Pampanga Lanterns by mid-December.
The Converge FiberXers hope to bring momentum as they face guest team Hong Kong Eastern on Friday, November 29 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Terrafirma Dyip will have two days of rest and regroup before they battle NorthPort Batang Pier on Saturday, November 30 at the Ynarez Center in Antipolo for the last day of November.
Converge FiberXers Vs Terrafirma Dyip Box Score:
CONVERGE – Diallo 25, Arana 16, Santos 12, Nieto 11, Heading 8, Winston 7, Stockton 7, Ambohot 6, Fleming 6, Andrade 5, Racal 5, Fornilos 3, Javillonar 3, Santos 2, Cabagnot 0.
TERRAFIRMA – Catapusan 13, Sangalang 11, Pringle 11, Nonoy 11, Richards 10, Carino 8, Hernandez 6, Ramos 5, Melecio 4, Paraiso 3, Ferrer 3, Zaldivar 2, Hanapi 2
QUARTERS: 34-16, 59-42, 86-67, 116-87
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