Converge thrashes Macau

MANILA, Philippines — Following the lead of fellow PBA Governors’ Cup contenders, Converge gave floundering Macau a heavy thrashing.

Just like what NLEX, TNT and San Miguel Beer did before them, the FiberXers were relentless against the Giant Pandas, imposing their will with no mercy in the Group A duel at Ynares Center-Antipolo.

When the final buzzer sounded, coach Delta Pineda and his charges got themselves a massive 162-108 victory – their fourth straight and seventh overall in 11 games.

The 162 points marked Converge’s highest output in franchise history and the most scored by any team since Swift’s 179 in an 18-point victory over Presto on Oct, 18, 1992. Its 54-point winning margin was also a new franchise high.

In Group B action, Phoenix clawed back from 13 down to beat Meralco, 105-101, and advance to the quarterfinals at 5-3. The Bolts fell to 4-6.

More than setting records, Converge expects the momentum gained and the mileage logged by bench players to serve it well as it faces defending champion TNT (also with 7-4) in its elims closeout assignment on Sunday and ultimately, the quarterfinals.

As for the depleted Giant Pandas (2-10), the defeat marked the end of their long suffering in the tournament, in what might be their final appearance in Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Prior to this, Macau lost to TNT by 55, Terrafirma by 19, NLEX by a league record 60, and San Miguel Beer by 52. Counting their 128-132 defeat to Titan last Aug. 4, the guest team dropped their last six outings.

“Very important ’yung game sa Sunday (against TNT) kaya binigyan namin ng kumpyansa lahat ng guys today,” said Pineda.