Converge overcame a slow start and crawled back from an 18-point hole behind its steady offensive in the last three quarters to turn back Phoenix, 116-105, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
The Fuel Masters started like a house on fire, racing to a quick 20-2 lead in the opening period, before settling for a 15-point advantage at the end of the first 12 minutes of play.
Jordan Heading, though, sparked the FiberXers’ rally, scoring all 21 of his points in the last three quarters, which saw Converge unleash its full offensive to register its first back-to-back wins for the conference.
Converge improved to 4-2 overall.
Phoenix, which stunned erstwhile unbeaten NorthPort a few days back, fell to 1-5 in the standings.
The loss also marked the third time the Fuel Masters wasted a double-digit advantage.
The two other times saw Phoenix blow a 23-point edge against Meralco, and a similar 18-point lead versus San Miguel Beer.
Import Cheick Diallo scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for Converge.
Schonny Winston and Bryan Santos each added 16, while Alec Stockton 14, eight boards and five assists.
Donovan Smith led Phoenix with 30 points and 21 rebounds.
