By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jerrick Balanza scored the game-winning layup with 1.3 seconds left as Converge outlasted San Miguel, 113-111, in an overtime thriller to snap a three-game losing streak in the PBA on Tour on Sunday, June 18 at the Ynares Sports Arena.
The FiberXers leaned on their pesky defense as they completed a stop in the Beermen’s penultimate possession with Alec Stockton completing the steal. Converge quickly raced to their frontcourt as Stockton found Balanza for a wide open layup to put his team ahead.
SMB had the chance to take the win in the next play but Allyn Bulanadi came up short on his three-point attempt, allowing Converge to escape with the narrow win that improved its record to 2-3.
Balanza finished with 15 points but it was actually Stockton, who kept the FiberXers within striking distance in the final frame and in the extra period, putting up 23 points and nine assists.
He also nailed a cold-blooded step-back triple with 20 seconds left to tie the game at 111-all and set the table for Balanza’s heroics.
Justin Arana and Mike Nieto chipped in 13 points apiece while Jeron Teng added 12 as Converge also survived the 42-point explosion from Jericho Cruz whose late triple in regulation forced overtime after tying the game 99-all with 23 seconds on the clock.
Meantime, Eric Camson waxed hot and fired 30 points as Terrafirma got its first win streak of the PBA on Tour after holding off Meralco, 107-102.
The burly forward anchored a huge third quarter uprising for the Dyip, dropping 16 of his total before also making the crucial plays in the endgame to help Terrafirma pick up its second-straight win and improve to a 3-3 record in the standings.
Terrafirma wrest control of the contest during that stretch and built a double-digit advantage, 84-73, heading into the final frame.
Meralco, however, came back roaring in the payoff period with Cliff Hodge pumping some life to the Bolts with 14 fourth quarter points, including the layup that pulled his team within one possession, 100-103.
Camson, though, had other plans in mind, making sure that his stellar game which also came with nine rebounds, would not be put to waste with a huge putback that kept a five-point cushion for the Dyip with 1:03 left.
Juami Tiongson, who was the one who exploded for 37 in their last game, still put up his usual numbers of 21 points, six assists and four steals while Calvo and Isaac Go added 12 and 11, respectively.
