If you missed Coach Aldin Ayo’s PBA debut with Converge FiberXers, or Coach Yeng Guiao’s return to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ bench, here is a quick rundown from last Friday’s 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup double-header.
Impressive Miller leads Converge's onslaught
Newcomer coach Aldin Ayo made a statement in the league after a masterful coaching debut as the FiberXers pulled away in the second half to beat the Terrafirma Dyip, 124-110.
NBA veteran Quincy Miller led the team with 38 points on 52% shooting, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal to open the FiberXers’ campaign with a huge win. Maverick Ahanmisi came out hot from the outside, scoring 18 points in 3-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc, to go along with 4 boards and 7 dishes.
Justin Arana and RK Ilagan both came off the bench to contribute 13 points and 12 points , respectively.
Lester Prosper amassed a massive stat line of 43 points, 25 rebounds, and 5 assists in a losing effort for the Dyip. Joshua Munzon notched 14 markers, while veteran guards Alex Cabagnot and Juami Tiongson scored 13 apiece.
The first half ended in a deadlock with 62 apiece. However, the FiberXers came up with a 31-17 third quarter outburst and never looked back.
Earl Clark, Road Warriors spoil Yeng Guaio's Rain or Shine homecoming
The NLEX Road Warriors rallied from an early 12-point deficit in the first half to steal the win from Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 96-90.
Earl Clark, who last played with the Brooklyn Nets in 2015 before playing in the NBA G-League and overseas leagues, recorded 26 points, 14 boards, and 4 assists, to go along with a stellar defensive effort of 6 blocks and 4 steals.
Justin Chua notched 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Kevin Alas added 15 markers to help secure the win for NLEX.
Newly-acquired Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser made his presence felt on the defensive end after recording 10 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Import Steve Taylor Jr. hauled a double-double performance of 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Elasto Painters. However, the 29-year-old behemoth did not get much support from his local cast. Rey Nambatac scored only 11 markers on a lowly 28% shooting. Mike Nieto (10 points) is the only other local player to reach double digits in the scoring column for Rain or Shine.
Clark overcame early foul trouble and led the Road Warriors to an early comeback. The Elasto Painters tried to storm back after cutting the deficit to 6, 96-90, with 24 seconds left in the game. But NLEX’s Matt Nieto spoiled the comeback attempt with a crucial steal in the dying seconds.
Upcoming 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Games
September 24 – Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
- Bay Area Dragons vs. Northport Batang Pier (4:30 PM)
- Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters vs. Blackwater Bossing (6:45 PM)
