In a thrilling turn of events, Converge has managed to salvage their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign by pulling off a stunning comeback against the San Miguel Beermen. Meanwhile, Ginebra has completed a three-game sweep, proving to be an insurmountable challenge for Meralco once again. The other side of the bracket remains intense, with Rain or Shine and TNT holding the upper hand, but Magnolia and NLEX refusing to back down without a fight.
Let’s take a closer look at the remaining matchups and see if the teams holding the advantage can maintain their momentum to close out the series.
Converge Stages Dramatic Comeback Against San Miguel
San Miguel seemed to be cruising late into the third quarter with a commanding 27-point lead. However, Converge seized the opportunity to launch a comeback that flipped the game on its head. They erupted with a 48-25 fourth quarter and pulled off a stunning victory from the jaws of defeat.
Alec Stockton led the charge with 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, including a clutch fadeaway game-winner that sealed the upset. Big man Justin Arana added a solid double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while stretch big Bryan Santos chipped in 15 points, hitting five triples. Converge’s remarkable comeback keeps their season alive and forces San Miguel to regroup.
Rain or Shine Edges Out Magnolia in Overtime Thriller
The game needed an extra five minutes to settle this battle of attrition, with Rain or Shine ultimately prevailing. Despite tearing a cornea in the previous game, Aaron Fuller suited up for Rain or Shine and delivered a 29-point, 11-rebound performance. Jhonard Clarito, Rain or Shine’s top local, was equally impressive, contributing 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and taking on the tough assignment of defending Magnolia’s import all game.
For Magnolia, not all hope is lost. With Jabari Bird now in the fold and star sophomore Zavier Lucero stepping up with 24 points and nine rebounds, they remain a formidable threat. The next game promises to be a clash of styles – can Rain or Shine push the tempo and apply pressure in transition, or will Magnolia’s continued calculated approach carry them to victory?
Ginebra Completes Sweep of Meralco
Meralco could not avoid the sweep despite Allen Durham’s brilliant showing of 38 points and 13 rebounds. Fueled by yet another fourth-quarter takeover from Justin Brownlee, Ginebra overcame a seven-point deficit in the third quarter and sailed into the next stage of the conference with style.
Brownlee knocked down two pivotal 4-pointers in the fourth, sparking a run that propelled him to 23 points with an impressive 77.3 TS%. However, what truly set Game 3 apart was Ginebra’s starting local unit and the electrifying sixth man, RJ Abarrientos. The group combined for a staggering 88 points and shot 40% from beyond the arc (8-20).
TNT’s Hot Shooting Propels Them to Game 3 Win
TNT came out on fire, hitting 11 of their 15 3-point attempts in the first half to build a commanding 61-40 halftime lead. They never looked back and cruised to victory. Calvin Oftana broke free from his shooting slump and contributed 18 points on an impressive 72.3% true shooting percentage (TS%). Glenn Khobuntin also played a key role in complementing TNT’s stars, scoring 17 points with a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
After being a mediocre offensive team during the eliminations and a disappointing Game 2, this win could serve as a blueprint for TNT to defend their crown. By easing the scoring burden on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, they may have found a path to success.
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