Converge was just too big and too strong for undermanned Rain or Shine.
The FiberXers exploited their height advantage and bulldozed their way to a third straight victory after a 107-97 decision over the Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Twin towers Justin Arana and rookie Justine Baltazar lorded it over down low as Converge pounded 56 inside points and even outran Rain or Shine with a 24-16 fastbreak points advantage on its way to improving to a 4-2 win-loss record.
But while Converge flexed its offensive muscle, acting head coach Franco Atienza emphasized that it was defense that pulled his team through against the run-and-gun style of Rain or Shine
“It’s not our offense that made us win this game, but it’s our defense,” Atienza said.
“Remember, before this game, Rain or Shine is the No. 1 scoring team, bar none. Their playing pace was just too fast. They dictated the tempo in the first half and especially during the fourth quarter,” he added.
The FiberXers were able to hold down the Elasto Painters, who saw the return of big man Keith Datu but still played sans Beau Belga (vertigo) and Caelan Tiongson (back spasm), to below 100 points after averaging 112 points per game in their first three outings.
“The game was just too fast but I’m glad that my players were able to turn it around, meaning, we resisted the temptation to go fast. If you’re big and you play an up-tempo game, you won’t win against Rain or Shine,” Atienza added.
Arana had a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds he spiked with six assists and three steals while Baltazar had 13 markers and 22 boards, including nine offensive rebounds, as Converge outrebounded the Elasto Painters, 62-40.
Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton had 24 points each for the FiberXers.
Stockton hit a clutch triple with 2:13 remaining in the game for a 101-92 lead to douse cold water on Rain or Shine late rally.
Down, 68-71, midway in the third Canto, Converge uncorked a 20-7 run to erect an 88-78 advantage off a Rey Suerte jumper.
The opening half was a tight tug-of-war between two teams that marched into battle fueled by back-to-back victories, with no team yielding an inch.