Converge frustrates Rain or Shine; Yeng Guiao ejected

Converge FiberXers’ Alec Stockton during a game against Rain or Shine Elastopainters in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Converge clawed back from 17 down on Tuesday night to beat Rain or Shine, 103-96, in a battle of top-shelf teams in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The FiberXers pounced on the ejection of Elastopainters coach Yeng Guiao, who got the boot in the third frame after a pair of technical fouls, and pulled away with 5-0 spurt en route to a fourth quarter that pretty much sealed the deal and the club’s rise to a 7-3 record overall.

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Alec Stockton had 21 points and five assists while Jordan Heading, Justin Arana and Kevin Racall tossed in at least 13 points each as the telco squad doomed the blue-collar Guiao crew to a 5-3 mark good for No. 7 in the race.

Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ coach Yeng Guiao during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –PBA IMAGES

Jhonard Clarito put up 24 points to go with import Deon Marshall’s 22. But without the fiery champion coach, Rain or Shine played disjointedly, unable to match the might of its young tormentors.

Converge shoots for a streak against Blackwater on Jan. 19, while the ElastoPainters look to deal NorthPort its second-straight loss on Jan. 16.

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The Scores:

MERALCO 111 – Mitchell 30, Banchero 25, Newsome 15, Quinto 8, Rios 8, Cansino 7, Mendoza 6, Caram 5, Almazan 4, Reyson 2, Pascual 1, Bates 0, Hodge 0, Torres 0

NORTHPORT 94 – Jack 29, Tolentino 19, Munzon 12, Navarro 11, Nelle 8, Onwubere 7, Miranda 5, Yu 3, Flores 0, Bulanadi 0, Taha 0, Cuntapay 0, Tratter 0

QUARTERS: 24-21, 54-44, 82-69, 111-94.