Converge’s Jerrick Balanza scores pivotal basket in OT against San Miguel. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Converge claimed the first overtime game of the PBA On Tour in thrilling fashion after outlasting San Miguel Beer, 113-111, on Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Jerrick Balanza scored the go-ahead layup off a steal and assist from Alec Stockton with 1.3 seconds left in the extra period to help the FiberXers take the win after three consecutive defeats.
It was Converge’s second victory after five matches in the two-month exhibition series despite missing coach Aldin Ayo.
Stockton had 23 points, nine rebounds and two steals, Balanza added 15 while Mike Nieto (13 points), Justine Arana (13 points) and Jeron Teng (12 points) also scored in double figures for the FiberXers.
San Miguel lost for the third straight time to go 2-4 halfway into the campaign, putting to naught the 41-point explosion of Jericho Cruz.
Terrence Romeo didn’t return after he appeared to have hurt his hamstring, the same injury that forced him to miss a huge portion of last season’s Governors’ Cup.
He had five points and five rebounds before getting hurt in the second quarter.
Regulation play ended at 99-all after Cruz nailed the game-tying triple with 23 seconds left in the fourth and both teams going empty-handed on the next two possessions.
Six straight points by Rodney Brondial and two foul shots from Cruz made it 111-108 for San Miguel, but Stockton knocked down a triple off Mo Tautuaa to even things out with 17 ticks left.
Stockton then stripped Tautuaa on the ensuing play, leading a fastbreak and the finish for Balanza as Converge got the lead back.
The scores:
CONVERGE 113—Stockton 23, Racal 16, Balanza 15, Nieto 13, Arana 13, Teng 12, Ebona 9, Zaldivar 5, Luib 5, Mendoza 2, Ambohot 0, Guinto 0.
SAN MIGUEL 111—Cruz 41, Tautuaa 15, Lee 13, Brondial 13, Bulanadi 9, Faundo 8, Romeo 5, De Vera 3, Baclao 2, Apacible 0, Saldua 0, Lazarte 0.
Quarters: 15-24, 32-43, 65-69, 99-99, 113-111.
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