Converge, TNT rule Batang PBA tourney

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CONVERGE turned back Phoenix 91-83 in a duel between unbeaten squads to rule the 2024 Batang PBA-Centrum Kids 15-under tournament yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena.

The Batang FiberXers took control of the tightly-fought match down the stretch, taking a comfortable nine-point lead in the last three minutes before fending off the Batang Fuel Masters’ late rally.

A clutch three by Kierdy Victoria in the last 31 seconds gave Converge an 89-83 lead and the Batang FiberXers finished the tournament with a perfect 6-0 record.

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In the other finals match, Talk ’N Text breezed past Terrafirma 92-66 to capture the 13-under title.

Victoria finished with a team-high 19 points, including 11 in the payoff period, to spearhead a balanced attack by Converge. Jacob Datu contributed 14, Gabyn Nunag had 12, while Prince Cariño and Ian San Gabriel had 11 apiece.

Converge trailed 40-41 at the halftime break but picked up its rhythm in the second half and pulled ahead 68-64 entering the fourth quarter. It posted its biggest lead at 86-79 with 3:49 to go.

Ethan Tan-Chi and Simone Jacob “Sky” Jazul hit back-to-back three-point shots as Phoenix pulled within 83-86, time down to two minutes.

But Victoria responded with a dagger trey while the Batang Fuel Masters muffed multiple chances to tie the game.

Jazul led Phoenix with 31 points. Tan-Chi added 12 while Francis Castro had 11.

The Batang Tropang Giga settled the outcome early by storming to a 30-16 lead.

All 11 TNT players scored led by Prince Concepcion, who showed the way with 20 points as the Batang Tropang Giga finished the tournament with a perfect 6-0 record.

Andrei Ancheta, Fritz Avillano and Aleck Villahermosa were also instrumental in the lopsided win as they combined for 45 points.

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