The Converge FiberXers and NLEX Road Warriors lock horns as the wild tournament continues to heat up. This should be an interesting and unpredictable battle.
Catch the game tomorrow at 5:00 PM.
Converge FiberXers (5-4)
- Alec Stockton
- Jeron Teng
- Adrian Wong
- Michael Nieto
- Jeo Ambohot
The FiberXers’ win-loss card looks pedestrian, but they are actually in a nice stretch as of late. They have won back-to-back contests, with the most recent being a 123-95 domination over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Adrian Wong and Justin Arana simply feasted on the opposition, scoring 32 and 30 points, respectively.
Wong has jumped atop the team stats in scoring. He is posting 19.0 points per game on 63% shooting from the field in three games this tournament, which includes that blistering performance against Ginebra as he splashed eight three-pointers. It’ll fun to see how far he’ll take this scorching run.
Arana, meanwhile, delivered yet another monstrous line with 30 points, 15 rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Note that he also scored 25 and grabbed 18 boards just two games ago.
More offense and defense are alongside the two courtesy of Jeron Teng (15 PPG), Jerrick Balanza (15.6 PPG), and Michael Nieto (13.7 PPG). Point Guard Alec Stockton will be in the mix too as he is scoring 10.5 points and dishing out 8.0 assists in the tournament.
NLEX Road Warriors (3-5)
- Clint Doliguez
- Matt Nieto
- Kevin Alas
- Sean Anthony
- Benedict Adamos
The Road Warriors snapped a two-game winning when they lost to the Meralco Bolts last July 12th, 93-86. Despite having a nice, balanced attack, it has been that kind of tournament for the group.
Nevertheless, the team-oriented offense can be a tough battle every given night, and that gives NLEX a constant boxer’s chance. They have five active players averaging in double figures, and if they don’t get the right respect from the defense, they can pound at will all game long.
Sean Anthony and Don Trollano will lead the team averaging 15 points per game apiece – the former is also adding 10.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals, while the latter is pairing it with 7.3 boards, and 3.3 dimes. Anthony has 20 PPG over his last two outings.
Benedict Adamos (12.5 PPG) and Kevin Alas (11.0 PPG) are right there with Anthony and Trollano, and they can always heat up. Adamos, in particular, is shooting a smooth 45% from downtown.
PREDICTION:
Handicap: Converge (-5.5) fails to cover.
Total: The total goes under 196.
