MANILA, Philippines — Import Ali Mubashar dropped 50 big points as the seven-foot reinforcement led Terrafirma to a king-sized 111-100 overtime upset win against pre-tournament favorite Converge in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup match Saturday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.
The Finnish slotman was on target from three-point zone, showing his fine touch after going 7-of-11, while grabbing 25 rebounds against the FiberXers’ dreaded front court.
Mubashar was prolific particularly in the second half that saw him score at will, pouring 38 points from the third quarter onwards.
The Dyip zoomed to a 2-0 start, easily topping their one-win total in the Philippine Cup as the Ronald Tubid-coached squad is out to redeem itself this conference.
Converge fell to 1-1.
Jerrick Ahanmisi chipped in 14, Paolo Hernandez 13, while top rookie pick Geo Chiu had a near double-double of nine and 13 boards.
Jerrick’s older brother Maverick had an all-around game of eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists, supplying the leadership for Terrafirma.
It was a masterful win for Terrafirma whose defense held Converge scoreless in the extra five minutes minutes after missing all seven of its attempts.
Kylor Kelly had 17 points and 22 rebounds to lead Converge.
Rookie Juan Gomez De Liano also finished with 17, but shot just 6-of-20 the game.
Alec Stockton had 15, while Justine Baltazar chipped in 13 and 15 boards.
Jonne Policarpio scored 11, while Justin Arana had a quiet six points and seven rebounds.
Mikey Williams scored just five points, missing all five of his attempts from downtown, and going 1-of-10 from the floor overall.