Converge shocks Meralco for 1st win

MANILA, Philippines -- The Converge FiberXers stunned the Meralco Bolts and notched their first win of the PBA Philippine Cup, 104-99, Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Converge won its first PBA game since December of last year, snapping a 12-game losing streak. 

Bryan Santos led the surge for the FiberXers, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds.

The game went down the wire, with Converge tying the game up at 97 with a split from the line by King Caralipio.

Santos then made a booming triple as the FiberXers went up by three, 100-97, with less than three minutes remaining.

Chris Newsome cut the lead to one, 99-100, with a jumper, but Schonny Winston made a pair of free throws as Converge regained the three-point lead.

Bong Quinto tried to tie the game with a 3-pointer but missed.

The two teams could not buy a basket in the next possessions, and with 12 seconds remaining, JL delos Santos sank the dagger jumper, 104-99, with 12 seconds remaining.

Allein Maliksi tried to inch the Bolts closer, but he missed a late trey.

Converge erased an 11-point lead by Meralco, 58-47, in the third quarter.

In the same quarter, the victors went within one, 61-62, thanks to the stellar play of Alec Stockton.

While the Bolts kept their distance, the FiberXers were able to get close, setting the stage to the furious finish.

Alec Stockton added 20 points for Converge, but he played just 27 minus before fouling out. Justin Arana chipped in 18 markers and seven boards.

Newsome spearheaded Meralco with 25 points, while Chris Banchero added 20.

The already-ran FiberXers rose to a 1-8 win-loss record, but the Bolts dropped their second second straight game with a 3-5 slate.