PBA: Converge wraps up campaign with win over Blackwater

Converge FiberXers’ Juan Gomez de Liaño during a game against Blackwater Bossing the in 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Converge ended its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign on a high note after defeating Blackwater, 136-122, at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo on Saturday.

The FiberXers finished the import-laden conference in ninth place with a 5-7 record, one spot short of a playoff appearance.

Despite playing without any bearing, coach Delta Pineda wanted Converge to approach the game with urgency.

“Still, I told them to treat this like a do-or-die game and in our last game, we still needed to work,” Pineda said.

“It didn’t mean that just because it was our last game and we had no chance, we would relax. We still had to work and show our obligations for this team.”

Tied at 70-all in the third quarter, the FiberXers created separation with a 15-6 run to build an 85-76 lead with 2:02 remaining in the period.

Blackwater trimmed the deficit to four, 94-90, in the fourth quarter, but Converge answered with an 11-6 run capped by an Archie Concepcion triple for a 105-96 cushion with 6:41 left.

Juan Gomez de Liaño spearheaded Converge with 25 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Justine Baltazar’s double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds made up for import Donovan Smith’s cold night. Smith fouled out in the fourth quarter with 12 points and eight rebounds. Calvin Abueva chipped in 15 points in the win.

Converge also spoiled the final Commissioner’s Cup game of Robert Upshaw III with Blackwater. The Bossing import erupted for 45 points and 18 rebounds in the loss, while Sedrick Barefield added 20 points.