MANILA, Philippines — Converge survived a late scare from import-less NLEX, 112-110, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to post its second straight win in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The FiberXers improved to 5-4 in Group A heading into the league’s break for the Gilas Pilipinas campaigns.
Converge appeared headed for a comfortable victory until Calvin Abueva fouled NLEX rookie L-Jay Gonzales on a four-point attempt in the final seconds.
Gonzales made the shot, cutting the deficit to two points with 0.6 seconds remaining and giving NLEX a chance to force overtime.
The Road Warriors needed to secure the offensive rebound after Gonzales deliberately missed the final free throw, but Converge prevented them from getting a clean second chance.
Abueva later expressed relief after the narrow escape.
“Thank you, Lord!” he said during a prayer at the Araneta Coliseum.
Converge import Cameron Clark led the FiberXers with 37 points, while Justin Arana and Juan Gomez de Liaño also delivered key plays down the stretch. The victory moved Converge to third place in Group A.
Coach Delta Pineda said the team’s two-game winning streak showed its focus after a four-game slide but acknowledged that Converge still needs to improve defensively.
NLEX, which played without an import after DeQuan Jones suffered a leg injury, dropped to 7-2 and remained tied with San Miguel Beer atop the group.
NLEX coach Jimmy Alapag praised his team’s effort despite the absence of an import. The Road Warriors are expected to have Deonte Burton when the conference resumes in October.