Scotty Hopson drills game-winner for Converge vs winless Terrafirma; Meralco clinches QF slot

Scotty Hopson came in clutch once again for Converge as his 4-pointer gave the FiberXers the victory against Terrafirma Dyip, 100-99, in the PBA Governors' Cup on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Terrafirma led by 14, 61-47, early in the third period but Converge caught up and ended the third period trailing within two, 73-71.

Back-to-back triples from Schonny Winston and Bryan Santos early in the final frame then handed the lead to Converge anew. It was a tight affair in the fourth period until the final seconds of the match with the Dyip leading 99-96 with just six ticks remaining.

Hopson then connected from beyond the second arc to seal the win as Antonio Hester missed his jumper.

The Converge import flirted with a double-double as he registered 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a block, while Schonny Winston led the FiberXers with 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

The win also spoiled Hester's 28 points and 11 boards, on top of seven assists and a steal, and Andreas Cahilig's 15 points, 10 rebounds, a steal, and a block. Paolo Hernandez shone anew for the Dyip with 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, and one steal.

Converge improved to 4-4, while Terrafirma remained winless in eight games in Group A.

Earlier, the Meralco Bolts clinched a slot in the quarterfinals as it defeated NorthPort, 114-104.

Allen Durham had 23 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and a steal, while Chris Newsome had 20 points, 11 boards, four assists, two steals, and a block as the Bolts improved to 6-2.

Arvin Tolentino led NorthPort anew with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Joshua Munzon had 17 points as the Batang Pier slipped to 3-5. Import Venky Jois, meanwhile, had an early exit as he suffered an apparent injury.

Meralco and TNT are currently assured of quarterfinals tickets from Group A.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News