Converge capitalized on a strong second-half surge to defeat Rain or Shine, 105-89, on Tuesday evening, November 3, at the City of Dasmariñas Arena, taking a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five quarterfinal series for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
Playing in front of an energetic Cavite crowd, the FiberXers turned the tide midway through the third quarter. Juan Gómez de Liaño ignited a decisive 19-11 run with a driving layup, supported by crucial baskets from Justin Arana and a period-ending bucket from Mikey Williams that pushed Converge ahead, 82-75, entering the final quarter.
The FiberXers maintained their momentum down the stretch. Gómez de Liaño sealed the victory with a late three-pointer that stretched the lead to 20, 101-81, putting Converge just one win away from securing the franchise’s first-ever PBA semifinal appearance.
The strong finish marked a bounce-back performance for Converge, which previously squandered a 21-point advantage in a 124-120 defeat during the series opener.
Gómez de Liaño led the charge for the FiberXers with a stellar double-double of 19 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and one steal. Import Cameron Clark added 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Solid contributions came from Justine Baltazar with 15 points and six rebounds, while Jonnel Policarpio and Calvin Abueva chipped in 13 points apiece, with Abueva adding a 10-rebound, double-double effort.
For Rain or Shine, Felix Lemetti led the scoring with 18 points, while Caelan Tiongson added 16. Adrian Nocum delivered a rare triple-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, and Deo Cuajao and Mike Malonzo contributed 16 and 11 points, respectively, in the losing effort.