Converges Fiberxers’ Justine Baltazar during the PBA Philippine Cup match against the Phoenix Fuel Masters. –PBA Image
Manila, Philippines – Rookie Justin Balthazar, determined to give a much-needed boost, felt his presence in the Fiberxers’ first victory in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Balthazar knew he needed to put effort into his quest to ease the load on fellow big man Justin Alana.
“Justin [Arana] When I wasn’t here, we talked about how we needed to help him and our team. We could have come from losses in particular,” said La Salle’s budding rookie after introducing the record 1-1 with a 92-83 victory over Phoenix.
Schedule: PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup 2025
“There’s high hopes here at Converge, so we need to make double effort here, especially when we play together. We need to talk to big things and step up.”
Baltazar finished with just nine points, but picked 16 rebounds along with six assists and two blocks to ensure Arana’s double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds wasted.
Alec Stockton made the most of his big man’s hard work and finished with a game high 18 points for converge.
Read: PBA: Converge Bountes Back, Phoenix continues to win
Coach Franco Atienza was pleased with how his team responded from the loss of the Fiberxers’ tragic meeting opening game at the hands of Meralco on Friday.
“Players feel that if they can say that, they’re just volatile, unstable, but at the end of the day it’s a competition,” Atienza said.
“I’m happy that our team and players have been able to coordinate and settle down.”
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Next up after the textiles is a hot shot of Magnolia at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which will mark the league’s 50th anniversary on Wednesday.
