Converge def Brgy. Ginebra, 98-91 [PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Dec. 21, 2024]
The PBA Commissioner’s Cup gears up for an exhilarating showdown as it approaches its 2024 final week, with Barangay Ginebra set to clash against Converge in a pivotal Saturday night matchup at the Batangas City Coliseum.
This thrilling encounter features two squads eager to enhance their standings within the Top Eight while gaining momentum as they prepare for their Christmas Day showdowns against formidable opponents.
The FiberXers are slated to face the Meralco Bolts, while the Gin Kings will square off against the Magnolia Hotshots in a high-octane holiday slate at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 25.
Tip-off for their 7:30 p.m. face-off in Batangas will see coach Tim Cone’s charges aiming for their fourth win in five outings, while coach Franco Atienza’s squad seeks to secure a third consecutive victory, pushing their record to five wins against just two losses.
Both teams currently perched within the Top Six are laser-focused on maintaining their momentum in pursuit of a coveted Top Two finish, which would grant them a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Despite the absence of key contributors Japeth Aguilar (groin injury) and Stephen Holt (knee), the Kings relied heavily on the explosive Justin Brownlee, who bounced back from a previous setback to lead his team to a commanding 114-98 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Ginebra proved to be a daunting challenge for the Dyip, with Brownlee putting on a stunning performance, racking up 49 points and hitting a remarkable 6-of-11 from beyond the arc.
RJ Abarrientos also shined, knocking down crucial shots to finish with 18 points, while Troy Rosario added 17 points and five rebounds in a game where Ginebra opened up a lead as large as 22 points.
On the other hand, the FiberXers, who had experienced a rollercoaster start with alternating wins and losses, have finally found their groove. They celebrated back-to-back victories in the midseason tournament, triumphing over the NLEX Road Warriors, 102-91, on Tuesday, and then overpowering the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 116-105, on Thursday.
After falling into an early 18-point deficit against the Fuel Masters, the FiberXers regrouped, unleashing a 33-24 scoring run in the second quarter and taking control with a decisive 39-26 advantage in the third.
They carried that momentum into the final quarter, outscoring their foes 29-25 to not only secure victory but also to mark their first consecutive wins of the tournament—a testament to their resilience and growing confidence.
