Michael (Mikey) for Jordan?
AMID his team’s fiery fightback, Converge guard Alec Stockton stole the ball from Terrafirma counterpart Aljun Melecio, sprinted and rose for an unmolested slam dunk last night.
Turning it around in the second half, the FiberXers frustrated the Dyip, pulling off a 117-103 victory to prop up their quarterfinals hopes in the PBA Philippine Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The 6-foot-2 Stockton’s vicious throw down knotted the count at 84-all with 2:31 remaining in the third quarter, which roused the tiny mid-week crowd from stupor—and Converge, which fell by as much as 18.
The FiberXers have dealt playmaker Jordan Heading to the TNT Tropang Giga for disgruntled star Mikey Williams, with the trade papers submitted to the pro league’s Commissioner’s office for approval.
Converge interim coach Franco Atienza said they will cross the bridge when they get there.
“Right now, the situation is Jordan is still with Converge. I don’t know what will be the eventuality. I don’t want to speculate on that. Kung sakaling may ganoon man, kung ano man ang order sa akin, susundin ko,” Atienza said. “Kung sino ang players na ilalagay sa team, we will find the best way to synergize.”
Atienza could have a point here after his charges took care of business first before thinking about the possibility of landing the prolific but mercurial Williams, a former two-time finals MVP, who last suited up for TNT in the season-ending Governors’ Cup in 2023.
Heading, a former Gilas Pilipinas mainstay, has not played in the import-less tourney for the FiberXers due to back spasms.
“Terrafirma waxed hot to start. I think they shot 50 percent from the field in the first half tapos may apat na four-point shots. They just cannot miss. Ang sinabi ko before this game, we are not taking them lightly kasi at any given time they can beat any team,” Atienza said. “That’s why those players are here in the PBA because they are capable to play.
“I was very happy with the team and the coaches because we were able to turn it around.”
Hardworking lefty forward King Caralipio collected a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds for Converge while Justine Baltazar chimed in 17 markers, 10 boards, and five assists.
Stockton also had 17 and five dimes, with Justin Arana adding 17 points, 13 caroms, and three feeds for the FiberXers who also drew 16 points and four rebounds from Schonny Winston.
Atienza’s squad also atoned for an 83-88 loss to the NLEX last Friday and rose to 6-4.
Terrafirma reeled off to an eight straight setback that sent it packing, counting an 89-128 demolition from San Miguel Beer last May 18 for a 1-8 slate.
After trailing 58-65 at the half, Converge closed in on at 88-92 going into the payoff period.
Winston, Caralipio, Stockton, and Arana then combined in a killer finishing kick to avert what could have been a huge upset by the Dyip.
Stanley Pringle paced Terrafirma with 23 points and four boards while Louie Sangalang, Keith Zaldivar, Mark Nonoy, CJ Catapusan, and Kevin Ferrer got 18, 17, 15, 12, and 11 markers, respectively.
The FiberXers followed the Magnolia Hotshots in making a big move last Tuesday when the latter traded veteran forward Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and a second-round pick in the 51st season Draft to the NorthPort Batang Pier for versatile William Navarro—that typifies the teams’ desire to bolster their title bids.
