PBA: Justin Strings, Converge players in tense postgame exchange

Terrafirma Dyip’s Justin Strings during a game vs Converge FiberXers in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—A postgame incident that almost reached the boiling point marred Converge’s 120-103 win over Terrafirma in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at Ynares Center here.

Eyewitnesses said that Terrafirma import Justin Strings attempted to rush towards the Converge dugout to confront one of its players whom he had some sweet-nothings with during the contest.

Players from both teams, along with PBA staff and security, were able to pacify the situation.

It was unclear whether Strings was looking for Alec Stockton or Calvin Abueva, but Strings and Stockton appeared to have a tense encounter while the two teams were doing the customary handshake after the final buzzer.

During the final seconds, Abueva and Strings also had a brief verbal exchange after the Converge forward was bumped by the Dyip reinforcement and fell near the commissioner’s row/press area.

Abueva later shouted back at Strings, who claimed that he was “flopping.”

Converge team governor Archen Cayabyab tried to have a word with Strings, but the latter was nowhere to be found.

Strings had 28 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals but he couldn’t help Terrafirma secure a win in the crucial tiff with Converge.

Terrafirma dropped to 3-5 for fifth place in Group A as Converge moved to solo fourth at 4-4 to gain ground in the race for the four quarterfinal seats.