NLEX and Converge battled it out on the court in an intense game that had fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams were fighting for a win, with NLEX needing to get back on track after two consecutive losses, and Converge looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their spot in the top three of the standings.
The game started off slow, with both teams struggling to get into a rhythm. NLEX’s offense was struggling, and Converge’s defense was doing a great job of shutting down their star players. Converge’s import player, Jamaal Franklin, was the standout performer in the first half, scoring 30 points and giving his team a four-point lead at halftime.
But NLEX came out firing in the third quarter, led by Kevin Alas and Wayne Selden Jr. Alas tied his career-high with 31 points, hitting shots from all over the court, while Selden did a bit of everything, racking up points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Converge tried to keep pace, with Franklin continuing to dominate, but NLEX’s defense tightened up, and they were able to tie the game at 80-80 heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to pull away. With just over a minute left in the game, NLEX found themselves down by four points and in desperate need of a big play. Anthony Semerad completed a three-point play to cut the deficit to just one point. On the next possession, Kevin Alas drained a clutch three-pointer to put NLEX up by two points with just 38 seconds left on the clock.
Converge had one last chance to tie the game, but Jamaal Franklin missed a contested three-pointer, and Selden was able to seal the win for NLEX with a free throw. The final score was 116-112 in favor of NLEX, who snapped their two-game losing streak and improved their record to 5-2. Converge dropped to 5-2 and is now tied with NLEX in the standings.
Despite missing key players due to injury and foul trouble, NLEX was able to gut out a hard-fought win and show that they are a team to be reckoned with in the PBA Governors’ Cup. Wayne Selden Jr. had a breakout game with 35 points, and Kevin Alas stepped up in the clutch with a season-high 31 points, including a crucial three-pointer that gave NLEX the lead late in the game.
Converge’s Jamaal Franklin was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 53 points and hitting nine three-pointers. But it wasn’t enough to overcome NLEX’s tenacity and determination. Despite the absence of key players, NLEX was able to come together as a team and pull off an impressive victory over a tough opponent.
The win was a huge morale booster for NLEX, who had been struggling in their previous games. With their key players expected to return soon, NLEX is poised to make a strong run in the rest of the PBA Governors’ Cup. As for Converge, they will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next game if they want to stay in the top three of the standings.