Arana, Wong combine for 56 points as Converge overpowers Brgy. Ginebra
Justin Arana came through with another outstanding double-double performance for Converge and led the team to a 123-95 victory over Brgy. Ginebra in the PBA On Tour on Sunday, July 16 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Arana tallied 30 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks for his sixth double-double of the preseason as the FiberXers won their second straight game and improved to 5-4.
The incoming sophomore already had a double-double before halftime, with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and he continued his strong play in the third quarter, scoring 13 points to help Converge establish an 84-69 lead.
“One of our main goals in this PBA On Tour is for our key players to get their confidence and rhythm so we keep on going to them,” said FiberXers head coach Aldin Ayo of his starting center.
“We want to establish his confidence and we want him to become solid in his role.”
Adrian Wong also shone for the FiberXers, sinking 8 three-pointers on 61.5% shooting to finish with 26 points.
Jeron Teng celebrated his return from a two-game hiatus with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in the win, while Mike Nieto and Kevin Racal chipped in 17 and 13 points, respectively.
Nards Pinto and Sidney Onwubere both scored 19 points for the Gin Kings, who fell to 4-5 after their second consecutive loss.
It was a disappointing setback for Brgy. Ginebra since it happened in the presence of head coach Tim Cone and star player Scottie Thompson who watched the Gin Kings for the first time since they returned from Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp in Europe.
Jeremiah Gray scored 17 points, issued 7 assists, and hauled down 6 rebounds, while Jayson David had 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The scores:
Converge 123 – Arana 30, Wong 26, Teng 18, Nieto 17, Racal 13, Ambohot 7, Mendoza 6, Stockton 6, Ebona 0, Guinto 0.
Brgy. Ginebra 95 – Pinto 19, Onwubere 19, Gray 17, David 14, Gumaru 6, Pessumal 6, Aguilar 4, Salcedo 4, Aurin 2, Cu 2, Ubalde 2, Dillinger 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 52-47, 84-69, 123-95.
