FiberXers escape dangerous Dyip

MANILA, Philippines -- Another game, another close loss for the Terrafirma Dyip. 

The Converge FiberXers saw their double-digit fourth quarter lead dwindle but held on against the Dyip, 105-103, in their PBA Governors’ Cup clash Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Justin Arana had an efficient outing with 31 points on 14-of-19 shooting from the field, to go with 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Juan Gomez-de Liano chipped in 19 markers while Justine Baltazar had 16 points and 14 rebounds in the victory. 

Converge led by as much as 16 points, 78-62, in the third quarter after a layup by Arana. 

The FiberXers maintained their double-digit distance from Terrafirma, staying ahead 103-93 with 4:02 remaining. 

And like what they did the previous game, the Dyip stormed back. 

They were able to slice the deficit to two, 103-105, with 1:16 left after a 3-pointer by Juami Tiongson. 

And after misses by Converge’s Jalen Hudson and Baltazar on the other end, Aljon Mariano had a chance to tie things up with a layup, but his attempt was erased by Baltazar. 

Terrafirma was able to get a stop in the next possession, but a late 4-pointer by Mav Ahanmisi for the win rimmed out as time expired. 

Archie Concepcion and MJ Garcia had 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the FiberXers. Hudson was held to just two points on 1-of-14 shooting, but he had eight rebounds and four assists. 

Justin Strings tallies 40 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in the loss for the Dyip. Juami Tiongson added 17 markers. 

Terrafirma also fell short in their last game against the NLEX Road Warriors. In their matchup over the weekend, they stormed back from 23 points down but missed a game-winner in the final possession for a 101-100 loss. 

The Dyip dropped to 1-2, while Converge remained unscathed through two contests.