By Peter Atencio
Justin Arana led the way in the fourth period as the Converge Fiber Xers took control and slammed the NLEX Road Warriors, 112-108, Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Arana knocked in 11 points in the final period as the Fiber Xers claimed their third triumph in eight games in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
Arana and RK Ilagan hit two triples during a decisive 9-0 blast that allowed the Fiber Xers to take command with a 86-76 edge in the last 9:44.
Converge’s edge would eventually move up to 16, 98-82, in the 5:07 mark on Taylor Browne’s trey.
David Murrell showed the way for the Fiber Xers with 19 points, while Tyrus Hill added 18.
The loss delayed the Road Warriors’ bid to gain a spot in the eight-team quarterfinals with their 4-3 record.
“At this point, regardless of our record, we are still in control of our destiny,” said Converge coach Jeffrey Cariaso.
Kris Rosales banged in 29 points for the Road Warriors, who fell to their second straight setback.
The Fiber Xers, with Maverick Ahanmisi making 10 points, are trying to get out of a logjam for eighth spot.