CONVERGE struggled mightily in its second season in the PBA, winding up with a 3-19 mark overall.
But the FiberXers made sure to end their campaign with a bang.
“Our second group won it for us. I’ve been challenging them to play harder than the first group,” Converge coach Aldin Ayo said. “Lots of the players in the second group were in double digits in terms of scoring.
“But more than the score, the defense that they applied against the small guys of TNT (was the key),” he added.
Ayo spoke after his troops stunned the TNT Tropang Giga 107-103 last Sunday night and finished the Philippine Cup with a 2-9 card.
While it was a disappointing last place ending that came after Converge also ended at the bottom with a 1-10 slate in the Commissioner’s Cup, Ayo has high hopes for his squad next season.
“It will depend on management. It will depend on boss Jacob (Lao) and (team governor) Archen (Cayabyab),” Ayo said.
“But we already have the core, magdadagdag lang siguro kami kung ano ang kulang namin.”
Aljun Melecio sizzled with 17 points on four three-pointers, on top of two rebounds and two assists for the FiberXers, while Justin Arana chipped in 15 markers, eight boards and two dimes.
The likes of Bryan Santos (15), King Caralipio (14), Schonny Winston (13), and Pat Maagdenberg (12) also did their part for Converge, which bounced back from a 93-105 loss to Ginebra recently in Cagayan de Oro City.
The loss, TNT’s fifth in 10 outings, dampened the Tropang Giga’s hopes of inclusion in the quarterfinals of the import-less meet.
Ayo preaches patience to the FiberXers.
“We’ve been very patient because we’re competing against teams which have been here for years. They have their own way of getting players that they need,” Ayo said. “We’re waiting for these young players to improve and mature.
“Right now, what we need is time. We’re going to have a long break and we’re going to have a long offseason. Hopefully, our players improve.”
Calvin Oftana paced TNT with 33 points and 12 caroms, while Roger Pogoy added 29 and four.
Kim Aurin and Glenn Khobuntin also had 13 and 11 markers, respectively, for the Tropang Giga.
A glimmer of sunshine for Converge to boost its line-up? Next year’s Draft.
“Hopefully, suwertehin kami sa drafting,” he said. “Hindi pa namin alam kung sino ang mga sasali, pero hopefully makakuha kami ng makakatulong sa amin.”
