Former National Basketball Association cager Quincy Miller took time to get hot with his game.
BUT when he did, there was no stopping the former Detroit Pistons’ small forward as he hit 16 of his 38-point tally in the final period to help power the Converge FiberXers to a 124-110 crushing of Terrafirma Dyip on Friday in the 2022 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I started shaky. It was physical. I just went aggressive when coach ran some plays for me in the second half,” said Miller, who played for four seasons in the NBA.
Maverick Ahanmisi added 18 points for the FiberXers, who now share the early lead with the Bay Area Dragons and the NorthPort Batang Pier.
Justin Arana knocked in 13 points for Converge, who dealt Dyip its longest losing streak in franchise history.
It was Dyip’s 16th straight setback since the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup and the 2018 Philippine Cup.
“They were not making their shots in the first half. I just told them those were good shots and to just keep on shooting. They were already executing, and it’s just all about finishing those shots,” said new coach Aldin Ayo.
Ahanmisi joined hands with Alec Stockton in the third period, with both making seven points apiece.
The two conspired to shatter at 67-all deadlock in the third period, with Ahanmisi’s driving shot and triple in the last 8:44 putting the FiberXers ahead on a 5-0 run and into a 72-67 lead.
After that, the FiberXers burst ahead and went on to enjoy a 14-point spread, 85-71 in the four-minute mark off Stockton’s triple.
In the last period, Miller unloaded eight points during a 10-0 blast, widening a 100-92 edge to 18, 110-92, with 8:18 remaining.
Ayo said their win will make the boys more confident, now that the FiberXers will have the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings as their next opponents on Sunday.
