WHEN Converge needed a four-point shot in the dying seconds, who else to turn to but import Scotty Hopson?
For the second time in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup, Hopson delivered the kill shot from the extended arc as the FiberXers rallied past Terrafirma, 100-99, to boost their quarterfinal drive Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Hopson did an encore of the game-winning bomb from 27 feet that he previously dropped in Convege's hard-earned 96-95 win over TNT in the first round back on Aug. 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"It's nice when you have a weapon like that. You have to use it," said Converge coach Franco Atienza of the four-point shot that they took advantage of again after clawing back to just three off a seven-point deficit in the last 1:40.
"Well, we have to take chances (on the four-point line) as we don't know our chances kapag nag overtime pa. It's just nice that again, that four points was available and again, Scotty Hopson is there. Lightning struck twice for us," added Atienza.
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This win was crucial as it jacked up Converge's record to 4-4 in Group A for fourth spot ahead of NorthPort (3-5) in the race for the four seats to the Last-8.
The Dyip (0-8) blew another good chance to break through, similar to what happened when they dropped a seemingly winning game in a 98-99 heartbreaker to Magnolia last Thursday.
The FiberXers appeared doomed before Schonny Winston unleashed a personal 6-0 blast to put Terrafirma within one at 97-96 with 16.2 seconds left.
Kevin Ferrer gave the Dyip more breathing room with his two charities, 99-96, with 6.6 ticks left.
Then came Hopson, who, mirroring his winning act versus TNT, went to a good spot in the right side of the four-point arc and launched the go-ahead heave.
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Dyip counterpart Antonio Hester tried to steal it but missed the mark from short-range at the buzzer.
Winston took scoring honors for Converge with 19, including 13 in the fourth, to go with seven rebounds. Hopson, who was 2-of-2 from the fourth-point territory, finished with 18 plus nine boards.
The FiberXers spoiled the 28-point, 11-rebound effort of Hester. (OL)
The Scores :
CONVERGE 100 - Winston 19, Hopson 18, Stockton 15, Arana 13, Santos 13, Delos Santos 9, Andrade 6, Cabagnot 3, Caralipio 2, Nieto 2, Ambohot 0.
TERRAFIRMA 99 - Hester 28, Hernandez 15, Cahilig 15, Pringle 14, Ferrer 8, Carino 8, Ramos 5, Hanapi 4, Sangalang 2, Olivario 0.
QUARTERS: 20-24, 40-52, 71-73, 100-99
