FiberXers Stun Tropang 5G to Boost Playoff Push

Converge showed poise in the final moments to pull off a 97-92 upset over defending champions TNT on Wednesday night in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The victory, which was their second in three games, kept the FiberXers' playoff hopes alive as they remain within striking distance of a postseason spot.

Converge once held a comfortable 15-point lead but had to fend off a late rally from TNT, who relied heavily on Bol Bol’s dominant presence in the paint. Despite the Tropang 5G's push, the FiberXers had the answers in the crunch time, with Justin Arana stepping up to deliver the decisive blow.

Arana posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, including a crucial basket over Bol with 20.9 seconds left that gave Converge a 96-90 lead, effectively sealing the win. Mikey Williams, a former TNT guard, also made key contributions, hitting one of two free throws with 10.2 seconds left to push the lead further.

With the win, Converge improved to 3-6, just one game behind San Miguel (4-5) in the race for a playoff spot.

“I’m proud of how we stayed composed, especially after almost letting a big lead slip away,” said head coach Delta Pineda. “We just focused, stayed confident, and believed we could win. If we gave up, there’s no way we’d get anywhere.”

Juan Gomez de Liaño contributed across the board with 16 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Williams and Alec Stockton each chipped in 13 points. Converge’s unselfish play was evident in their 20 total assists, a key factor in their team-oriented finish.

TNT, which had its three-game winning streak snapped, was led by Bol’s huge performance of 32 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 14 points, Jordan Heading scored 13, and Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana both had 12. However, TNT’s shooting woes from beyond the arc proved costly, as they shot a dismal 3-of-28 from three-point range.

The Tropang 5G made it a one-possession game at 93-90 after a Bol basket with 1:27 left, but missed opportunities down the stretch allowed Converge to hang on for the win.

TNT head coach Chot Reyes didn’t hold back in his assessment of the game. “Unfortunately, we have a team of shooters who cannot shoot,” he said. “If we can’t make shots, teams like Converge are going to do what they did tonight.”

Converge now turns its attention to a crucial stretch of games against Phoenix, NLEX, and Blackwater as they aim to fight their way into the playoffs. “One game at a time,” Arana said. “Every game is do-or-die. We need to play as a team.”

TNT, now tied for fifth with Phoenix at 5-2, will look to regroup quickly as they face Macau in their next matchup.