Converge erupts, wins 3rd straight

Don't look now but Converge is starting to look like another team on the rise in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup.

The FiberXers booked their first three-game winning streak in franchise history when it dominated TNT Tropang Giga, 130-117, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Converge's explosive game capped a big scoring night as it improved to 4-2 to vault into solo third place in the team standing of this import-flavored conference.

The FiberXers jumped the gun early by scoring 43 first-quarter points and ending the half with 73, both outputs were franchise and season highs.

In ending with 130, the FiberXers also posted its highest scoring output in its young franchise history while also matching the most points scored this conference by visiting squad Bay Area.

The FiberXers went off to a blazing start, shooting 68% from the field in the first 12 minutes of play while holding the Tropang Giga to just 37.5 percent (9-of-24) clip in the first period.

Leading the way for Converge's sizzling performance was import Quincy Miller, who knocked in 38 points on a steady 9-of-14 shooting from beyond the arc.

The National Basketball Association veteran capped his solid all-around performance by pulling down 20 rebounds and dishing out five assists.

Miller's torrid shooting from beyond the arc set the tone for the FiberXers, who hit 21-of-40 shots (52 percent), also a franchise record.

As a team, the FiberXers also outrebounded the Tropang Giga, 57-35, and also had more assists, 34-20.

"Slowly, the players are beginning to absorb the things we want to do, especially our approach in the game," Converge coach Aldin Ayo said.

"It's different. Everybody knows that we have to keep the pace, but they're getting better."

The Scores:

CONVERGE (130) – Miller 38, Teng 22, Melecio 20, Arana 14, DiGregorio 13, Ahanmisi 8, Ilagan 5, Tratter 5, Stockton 3, Racal 2, Hill 0, Bulanadi 0

TNT (117) – Oliver 41, M. Williams 27, Pogoy 19, Montalbo 13, Castro 9, Oftana 4, K. Williams 3, Erram 1, Tungcab 0, Marcelo 0

QUARTERS: 43-24, 73-47, 113-85, 130-117