MANILA, Philippines — Converge took advantage of an import-less Phoenix as it scored a runaway 130-103 win to fan its playoff hopes in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
James Dickey sat out due to a sprained he suffered following Phoenix’s 89-83 upset against Rain or Shine.
His absence told heavily on the Fuel Masters who didn’t have someone to match up with comebacking import Donovan Smith.
Smith, the 6-foot-10, wide-bodied American, played for Phoenix previously. The hulking Smith dominated inside, finishing with 32 points, along with 12 rebounds and three blocks for the FiberXers, who registered their first back-to-back wins.
More importantly, Converge resuscitated its playoff hopes and improved to 4-6 (win-loss), and is now just behind seventh placers Magnolia and San Miguel (4-5).
Phoenix still is at sixth spot with its 5-4 record.
Ricci Rivero led Phoenix with 26 points.