PBA: Converge Deals Grand Slam-Seeking TNT Another Loss
On Sunday evening, the TNT vs Converge matchup ended in another stunning upset. The Converge FiberXers handed the mighty TNT Tropang 5G their second consecutive defeat with a 100-94 victory. Their showdown occurred inside the Ynares Center in Antipolo as part of the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup. The result gave Converge their second straight win and pushed them to a promising 3-2 record. On the other hand, TNT remained winless at 0-2. This is a surprising turn for the grand slam-seeking squad.
Converge started hot, setting the tone early by limiting TNT to just 30 percent shooting in the first half. With crisp ball movement and tight defense, the FiberXers built a massive 53-35 halftime lead and extended it to 22 points at one point. Justin Arana powered Converge with a standout double-double performance, scoring 22 points while pulling down 11 rebounds. Justine Baltazar added a season-high 21 points and 12 rebounds, asserting himself as a significant force inside the paint. Guards Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston also provided significant boosts, each contributing 19 points to keep Converge’s offense flowing smoothly.
TNT, however, showed flashes of their championship pedigree. After struggling early, they mounted a strong second-half rally. Led by their veterans and a renewed defensive intensity, TNT chopped the once-massive lead down to just six points by the end of the third quarter. Kelly Williams then nailed a crucial three-pointer in the fourth quarter. The 43-year-old Filipino-American player sliced the deficit to seven, 86-79. He did it with over five minutes left in regulation. But just as the momentum was shifting, Baltazar and Arana responded emphatically. The two big men combined for three straight baskets that rebuilt a double-digit lead for Converge at 92-79, effectively silencing TNT’s comeback hopes.
Still, TNT made one last push. Calvin Oftana refused to back down, delivering a highlight-worthy four-point play in the final 20 seconds to bring his squad within striking distance. Despite his heroic 33-point outing, it was not enough to change the outcome. RR Pogoy chipped in 15 points, but TNT ultimately fell short against a resilient and fast-improving Converge squad.
After the game, Converge head coach Franco Atienza quickly praised TNT’s efforts despite their slow start to the conference. “We give credit to a champion team. Talagang pinahirapan nila kami,” said Atienza. “We know TNT is a good team. I know deep in my heart na even without RHJ (Rondae Hollis-Jefferson), yung DNA nila, winning team.” His words reflected a deep respect for the franchise that has consistently dominated the league recently.
The implications of this result were significant for both teams. Converge’s 3-2 record firmly places them in the playoff conversation as they continue to build momentum in the PBA Philippine Cup. The FiberXers are starting to find their rhythm, with back-to-back victories showcasing their growth under pressure.
On the other hand, TNT’s 0-2 start raises alarm bells for a team expected to vie for the coveted Grand Slam after ruling both the Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup. Although they are missing key pieces, their early struggles suggest adjustments are urgently needed to turn things around.
The game’s flow saw Converge dominate early before TNT fought back late. The quarter scores reflected the story well: 28-16 after the first, 53-35 at halftime, 71-65 heading into the fourth, and 100-94 at the buzzer. Converge’s strong start and clutch plays in the closing minutes proved enough to fend off the late TNT surge.
In the end, the FiberXers sent the rest of the league a strong message: they are here to contend. Meanwhile, TNT faces the unfamiliar task of regrouping after back-to-back losses. The early surprises in the PBA Philippine Cup have made this showdown a must-watch as the tournament heats up.
Photo: PBA Images
