APRUB KAY JUAN GDL. Juan Gomez De Liano gives Alec Stockton a thumbs up as Converge lords over Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, November 14, 2025. PBA Images
MANILA — Juan Gomez De Liano took over for Converge as the FiberXers lorded over Barangay Ginebra, 106-96, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The former University of the Philippines (UP) standout exploded for 32 points — his PBA career-high — on 13-of-16 clip from the field, to go with six rebounds, and six assists to pave the way for Converge's statement win over Tim Cone and the Gin Kings.
Schonny Winston backstopped that masterpiece with 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while twin towers Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar contributed 13-13 and 12-7-6 statlines, respectively.
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Just as Troy Rosario put Ginebra within three, 94-91, the FiberXers found the breakaway 10-0 run that established control over the Gin Kings late in the fourth quarter.
Winston, Arana, and de Liano, all chipped in that rally that installed a 104-91 Converge cushion, 33 seconds left on the clock.
"In terms of kumpiyansa, alam naman natin Ginebra is a great team, veteran team, so malaking bagay po na makuha namin 'tong game na 'to," said coach Delta Pineda during the postgame press conference.
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It's a logjam for the No. 2 spot in the standings as Converge, following the win, mirrored NLEX, San Miguel, Rain or Shine, and Magnolia, which won earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, Ginebra fell at 2-4 after the loss. Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos had 24 points each, to lead their side's scoring.
The Scores:
CONVERGE 106 – Gomez de Liano 32, Winston 21, Arana 13, Baltazar 12, Stockton 9, Concepcion 6, Garcia 4, Muyang 3, Javillonar 2, Delos Santos 2, Racal 2, Caralipio 0, Clemente 0, Santos 0, Eguilos 0
GINEBRA 96 – Holt 24, Abarrientos 24, Thompson 10, David 10, J.Aguilar 7, Gray 7, Cu 6, Rosario 6, Torres 2, R.Aguilar 0
QUARTERS: 26-24, 54-49, 72-72, 106-96