MANILA, Philippines — Converge needed a strong fourth quarter offensive to shake off foreign guest team Macau Black Knights to open the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup with a 102-94 win on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Engaged to a back-and-forth contest for the first three quarters, the FiberXers unloaded a 23-12 fourth quarter exchange to subdue the Black Knights.
Alec Stockton led Converge’s attack with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and six steals against the foreign guest squad.
Achie Concepcion chipped in 16 markers, laced by three triples, while Converge’s big men Justine Baltazar and newly-acquired Jonnel Policarpio combined for 29 points and 16 rebounds.
American import Kylor Kelly had 12 points, but grabbed 19 rebounds and added four blocked shots in a fine defensive effort.
Jenning Leung led Macau with 22 points, Phoenix Shackelford had 20, while Damian Chongqui chipped in 19, but shot a miserable 5-of-20 from the field.