Converge def Magnolia, 89-82 [PBA S49 Govs’ Cup | Sep. 23, 2024]
With matching 5-4 win-loss records, both Magnolia and Converge have secured their spots in the Magic 4 of Group A, advancing to the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
However, there is still plenty at stake when the Hotshots, led by new import Rayvonte Rice, clash with the revitalized FiberXers on Monday to conclude the elimination round at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Set for a 5 p.m. showdown, this match acts as a virtual playoff for the coveted No. 3 seed in their group, which would pair the victor with a lower-seeded opponent from Group B in the upcoming best-of-five quarterfinal series.
The winner will face the second seed from the opposite pool, potentially San Miguel Beer or Barangay Ginebra. Conversely, the team that falls short will encounter the highest-ranked quarterfinalist from the opposing bracket, either Rain or Shine or Ginebra.
Converge is currently on a redemption journey after finishing at the bottom of the standings in the two previous conferences with a dismal cumulative record of 3-19.
Under new leadership from interim coach Franco Atienza, along with assistant coach Charles Tiu and consultant Rajko Toroman, the FiberXers have already outperformed that unfortunate record with a game to spare in the elimination phase, successfully returning to the playoffs.
Guided by Alec Stockton and Jalen Jones, the FiberXers have clinched victory in their last three outings, including a notable quarterfinal-locking upset against Group A No. 2 Meralco, winning 105-97 on September 18.
Jones is set to make his second appearance for Converge, stepping in for the sidelined Scotty Hopson, and he should have a better grasp of his team’s dynamics now. In contrast, Rice, who joined the team on Saturday, will be making his debut after replacing Shabazz Muhammad.
Muhammad is dealing with a swollen knee sustained during Magnolia’s narrow 82-84 defeat to TNT on September 17, which forced him to miss the Hotshots’ decisive 110-94 victory over NorthPort last Friday. The team determined that risking both Muhammad’s health and Magnolia’s playoff aspirations was not worth it at this juncture.
Rice, standing at 6-foot-4, last played for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in the Basketball Champions League Asia, where he averaged 17 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc.
