PBA: Converge escapes Rain or Shine to level quarterfinals series

MANILA – The Converge FiberXers avoided another collapse to level their quarterfinals series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA 50 Governors Cup.   

The FiberXers escaped the Elasto Painters, 130-125, in Game 2 on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.   

Converge built a double digit lead at the half, before Rain or Shine erased the deficit to a single digit in the third quarter led by Caelan Tiongson and Deo Cuajao.   

Import Cameron Clark made a lot of crucial shots especially down the stretch including the free throws that put them back in the lead with over two minutes left, 122-120.   

Luis Villegas breathed life into Rain or Shine with a massive triple to put them within one, 124-123, with 01:52 left to play. Mikey Williams responded with a three-pointer of his own followed by free throws from Calvin Abueva to extend their lead, 129-123. 

A crucial foul by Abueva on Deo Cuajao gave Rain or Shine some hope, but he only drained two of the four pressure-packed free throws. Clark topscored for the FiberXers with 22 points, while Juan Gomez de Liaño delivered an all-around performance of 20 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.   

Import Aaron Fuller led Rain or Shine with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito added 22 markers. 

Adrian Nocum also pitched in 22 points and 18 assists, but also committed four turnovers, including the costly ones in the dying seconds. 

Game 3 will be on November 3 at the Dasmariñas City Arena in Cavite.