MANILA, Philippines — With regular closer Scotty Hopson now on the injured list, Alec Stockton gamely assumed the role of take-charge guy for Converge.
The rugged guard fired seven clutch points in the last 1:32 to tow the FiberXers to an all-important 105-97 victory over Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup elims last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The takedown of first-round tormentor Meralco (6-3) enabled Converge to continue its resurgence and move in striking range of a quarterfinal seat from Group A at 5-4 overall.
The FiberXers surged ahead of Magnolia at No. 3 in the group behind quarters-assured Meralco and TNT (7-1).
Stockton and Co. pressed for their third consecutive victory minus Hopson, the efficient import who fired a pair of game-winners from the fourth-point territory that started their rise. Bothered by a hip injury, Hopson yielded import duties to Jalen Jones, who debuted with 32 markers and 10 rebounds.
But during crunch time, it was Stockton who carried the fight for Converge, a squad on a redemption tour after placing last in Season 48 with a combined record of 3-19.
The former FEU star highlighted his 27-point effort with a thunderous triple, a big-time jumper and two cold-blooded free throws that triggered a telling 9-0 closing bombardment.
“I really just want to give my best for my team to qualify for the playoffs and that’s something that we missed last conference,” said Stockton.
“We really wanted it bad, this game. This game would put us closer to clinching a playoff spot.”