Converge completes fightback from 20 points down to stun Magnolia

With a performance-to-remember in Antipolo, the Converge FiberXers posted their very first win in the PBA.

And the youth-laden FiberXers did it in style, repeatedly rallying from deficits that reached a high of 20 before pulling through with an 89-82 overtime verdict over Magnolia in the Philippine Cup Friday night at the Ynares Center.

RK Ilagan, the pocket-sized guard with a heart of a lion, hit a booming triple to knot the count in regulation then knocked down a cold-blooded trey from beyond the arc to start extra time, setting the tone for Converge’s telling 7-0 salvo in OT.

Ilagan finished off what the seasoned Maverick Ahanmisi started. Playing his first game with Converge, Ahanmisi provided a steadying force on the floor and drilled in big shots after big shots to spark their fightback from a 74-60 deficit in the last seven minutes of the fourth.

Ahanmisi and Ilagan each finished with 14 points to back up Jeron Teng’s 19 as Jeff Cariaso’s wards quickly got into the win column after starting their campaign with a 79-77 heartbreaker to Rain or Shine in Sunday’s season opener.

“I love the resilience, the effort and the no-give-up (attitude), Doon ako proud,” said Cariaso.

The FiberXers saw themselves in a big 41-21 hole in the second period with Maverick’s younger brother Jerrick waxing hot from deep for Magnolia.