Converge Fends Off Gritty Blackwater to Snap Skid and Regain Rhythm

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by Raymund Tamayo

Converge's Alec Stockton shoots a jumper over a Blackwater defender.
Converge's Alec Stockton shoots a jumper over a Blackwater defender. Photo: PBA Images.

Converge got back on track in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, outlasting a stubborn Blackwater squad, 99-94, Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The FiberXers had to weather a late-game storm before finally sealing the deal behind the steady hands of Alec Stockton, who calmly sank two clutch free throws in the final seconds to ice the game. 

Stockton finished with a fiery 28 points, 13 of which came in the fourth quarter, carrying Converge through tense moments when the Bossing threatened to steal one.

It was far from a walk in the park for coach Delta Pineda’s crew. Blackwater, despite its depleted lineup and five-game losing skid, showed grit and hustle all night. Sedrick Barefield once again played the hero role for the Bossing, erupting for 33 points, including a momentum-swinging triple that briefly gave them an 84-83 lead midway through the fourth.

Blackwater's Sedrick Barefield (2).
Blackwater's Sedrick Barefield (2). Photo: PBA Images.

But when the game tightened, Converge kept its composure, a lesson learned from their previous heartbreaker against San Miguel Beer. “Tinanggap namin ‘yung talo, pero doon kami natuto,” said Pineda. “Ngayon, mas mahinahon kami sa dulo. Hindi nagmamadali, mas maayos ang decision-making.”

The FiberXers led by as many as 12 points, 74-62, after an Archie Concepcion three-pointer, only for Blackwater to claw back behind Barefield and Christian David, who helped trim the gap to six entering the final frame.

David, however, turned from spark plug to heartbreak figure in the closing seconds. With the Bossing down by just two, he lost the ball while posting up with 6.7 ticks left, a costly turnover that gave Converge a lifeline. 

Stockton coolly converted both free throws to stretch the lead to four, 98-94, before David’s inbound miscue seconds later allowed Juan Gomez de LiaƱo to put the finishing touch with a split from the line.

Converge's Juan Gomez de LiaƱo (1).
Converge's Juan Gomez de LiaƱo (1). Photo: PBA Images.

Gomez de LiaƱo backed Stockton’s stellar night with 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, providing stability and poise in the backcourt.

Converge improved to 4-2, bouncing back strongly after their tough loss to the Beermen, while Blackwater slid deeper at 1-5, absorbing their fifth straight defeat despite another gallant effort.

For the FiberXers, this win wasn’t just about survival; it was a statement that they’re learning, adjusting, and slowly finding the championship form they’ve been chasing all conference long.

The Scores:

Converge 99 - Stockton 28, Gomez de LiaƱo 14, Baltazar 11, Arana 11, Concepcion 8, Muyang 8, Garcia 5, Racal 3, Suerte 3, Javillonar 0, Eguilos 0, Clemente 0, Delos Santos 0.

Blackwater 94 - Barefield 33, David 18, Panopio 11, Tratter 10, Guinto 8, Mendoza 7, Mallillin 5, Murell 2, Andrade 0, Jopia 0, Cruz-Dumont 0, Escoto 0.

Quarterscores: 21-25, 49-46, 78-72, 99-94