Converge's Justin Arana in action against Phoenix in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup, April 6, 2025 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images

MANILA -- Converge stayed firm in the end game to defeat Phoenix, 92-83, and register their first win of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Sunday evening at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The FiberXers had to weather a last-ditch rally by the Fuel Masters, who got within 11 points with still 2:25 to play after a personal 6-0 run by JayJay Alejandro.

Their offense bogged down in the closing minutes, however, allowing Converge to hold on for the bounce-back win. Phoenix dropped to 0-2 in the conference after opening their campaign with a loss to TerraFirma.

Alec Stockton starred for Converge with 18 points, while Justin Arana had a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double. Justine Baltazar grabbed 16 boards and dished out six assists to go with his nine markers.

Meanwhile, Kai Ballungay had 15 points and 12 boards, while Tyler Tio scored 13 for the Fuel Masters, who struggled mightily from the field and made just three of their 25 attempts from the three-point line.

The Scores :

CONVERGE 92 – Stockton 18, Winston 14, Santos 12, Arana 10, Baltazar 9, Nermal 7, Garcia 6, Caralipio 5, Racal 5, Delos Santos 2, Corpuz 2, Ambohot 2, Suerte 0, R.Santos 0

PHOENIX 83 – Ballungay 15, Tio 13, Salado 8, Alejandro 8, Tuffin 7, Rivero 6, Camacho 6, Garcia 6, Ular 4, Soyud 5, Verano 3, Jazul 1, Manganto 1, Daves 0

QUARTERS: 19-24, 44-38, 67-57, 92-83