Converge FiberXers’ Alec Stockton against San Miguel defenders in a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Converge may have fallen short in its quest to snap two streaks in one game against San Miguel at Philsports Arena on Friday but Alec Stockton got some high praise from the Beermen when the buzzer horned.
With the 112-103 win over Converge, San Miguel extended its win streak to six while the FiberXers losing slump stretched to eight but not without Stockton showing up big in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The third-year guard turned in a career-high 36-point outing with six rebounds and four assists to match, which caught the attention of coach Jorge Gallent.
READ: PBA: Alec Stockton says he’s committed to where I’m at’
“He’s the heart and soul of that team,” said Gallent. ” “Whatever Alec does, Converge will follow. I think he’s a great fit there and he brings the energy to that kind of young team. That’s what those players need, players like Alec, to give them advice and to bring them energy.”
Stockton’s recent outburst was just another feather to his cap as he dropped 31 points in the FiberXers’ prior game against Phoenix where they succumbed to a 113-107 defeat.
According to Gallent, it certainly helps coach Aldin Ayo that one of Converge’s young guys is a “mature guy” who’s proving to be a role model for the relatively inexperienced squad.
READ: PBA: Buoyed by coach’s trust, Alec Stockton delivers quality numbers for Converge
“They’re a super young team and Alec is kind of like the mature guy there and he’s doing a great job doing it,” Galent said of Stockton.
Even Marcio Lassiter, who exploded in the second half for the Beermen with 19 points, had to give credit where credit is due.
The Far Eastern University product has the potential to be “a cornerstone for the franchise,” as far as the 36-year-old shooter is concerned.
“He’s going to be a cornerstone for that franchise in the future. It’s good to see him helping his team and being a leader. He played well tonight, give him credit. We should expect more of that from his team and these coming games from them,” said Lassiter.
Both shooters went on a three-point derby with five buckets from beyond the arc converted by Lassiter and Stockton alike.
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Stockton and the FiberXers look to finally break their dry spell in the all-Filipino conference when they face Meralco on Sunday at the same venue.