By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Converge FiberXers pulled off a dominant debut win during the opening game day of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, crushing the Terrafirma Dyip, 116-87, on November 27, 2024, at the PhilSports Arena.
Converge immediately lived up to its hype after signing Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jordan Heading while tapping the services of former NBA energy guy Cheick Diallo as their conference import.
Diallo was too much for Terrafirma, putting up a flawless double-double performance of 25 points and 16 rebounds while also anchoring their paint defense with two blocks and two steals.
After a slow start when he focused on getting his teammates involved in the scoring department, Diallo broke loose midway through the second quarter and powered his way underneath with several put-back dunks and follow-up tip-in layups.
Diallo also showed his improved offensive versatility as he drained back-to-back perimeter face-up jumpers that swelled their lead to double digits.
It was in the third quarter when the FiberXers sucked the life out of the Dyip as the combination of Diallo, Heading, Justin Arana, and Mike Nieto wreaked havoc inside the court with an efficient inside and outside scoring approach.
With the lead growing to as much as 33 points, Terrafirma decided to throw the white towel with eight minutes still remaining in the fourth to preserve their starters for the next game.
Arana was also solid in his conference debut, tallying an all-around double-double outing of 16 markers 12 boards, and four assists.
The savvy post operator picked up where he left off after a tremendous campaign during the Governor’s Cup and flaunted his improved footwork and scoring inside the paint.
From his sweeping baby hooks to his signature unorthodox layup reverse finishes, Arana made Diallo’s job lighter with an efficient stand against Terrafirma’s import Ryan Earl Richards who was only limited to 10 points.
On the other hand, former Hua Siong College of Iloilo superstar Mark Nonoy finally made his PBA debut with Terrafirma and impressed with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals.
