PBA: Alec Stockton makes timely plays late in Converge win

June 19, 2023 Times Europe

Alec Stockton. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Alec Stockton stepped up when it mattered most in overtime as he led Converge’s come-from-behind 113-111 win over San Miguel in the PBA On Tour on Sunday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

When the Beermen took a 111-108 lead in the extra regulation off the crucial baskets of Rodney Brondial and Jericho Cruz, Stockton sank a clutch step-back trey over Mo Tautuaa to equalize the game with 17 seconds to go.

The Far Eastern University product then made a crucial steal on Tautuaa and dished out an assist to Jerrick Balanza’s game-winning layup with 1.9 seconds remaining to deliver the FiberXers’ second win in five matches.

“It’s all about winning at the end of the day. Jerrick sealed it off with the W and put the layup,” he said after finishing with 23 points, nine assists, two steals, and two rebounds. “It’s really making plays down the stretch. Coach Franco told us if ever Mo gets it down low because that’s their advantage, try to get a steal. Fortunately, we got the steal, we got it down the stretch and Jerrick got the layup.”

Stockton scored eight of his 23 points in overtime as he was determined to end their three-game skid.

“We just really wanted to win. We had a three-game losing streak in this tournament. So we just tried to execute the system and try to win down the stretch,” he said.

Stockton also limited Cruz to four points in the extra regulation but he admitted the San Miguel star was tough to defend after exploding for 41 points, including the overtime-forcing triple.

“He’s tough, he’s really aggressive offensively. He got a lot in his bag, he can dish it off, and he can score whenever he wants to. He’s a great match-up to have. I was looking forward to that and as you can see he killed us as well and made it a great game,” the Converge guard said.

Stockton added that his heated confrontation with Terrence Romeo to start their preseason match was just part of the game and he wishes the Beermen guard well after leaving at halftime due to a hamstring injury.

“That’s just basketball. We both just wanna win really bad and put on a show for the people. I wanna wish him well and hopefully everything’s all right with him and especially to coach Aldin and his mother,” he said.