Games on Tuesday
(Ynares Center-Antipolo)
5:15 p.m. – Converge vs Terrafirma
7:30 p.m. – NLEX vs TNT
Team Standings
Group A
NLEX 6-1
San Miguel 6-2
TNT 4-3
Converge 3-4
Terrafirma 3-4
Macau 2-6
Titan 2-6
Group B
Rain or Shine 4-2
Phoenix 4-2
Blackwater 3-3
Magnolia 2-3
Ginebra 2-3
Meralco 2-4
IN AN EFFORT to recalibrate and overturn its sagging fortune, Converge is turning to an American forward who’s already accustomed to how things are done in the PBA — Cameron Clark.
Mr. Clark, who had three previous stints since 2021, is taking over from Jamaal Franklin as the FiberXers (3-4) look to arrest a four-game skid and further their cause in the hunt for four tickets to the Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals from Group A.
The 6-foot-5 Mr. Clark assumes import duties in time for the FiberXers’ crucial duel with Terrafirma (3-4) on Tuesday at Ynares Center-Antipolo where solo fourth in the seven-team bracket is on the line.
Mr. Clark isn’t actually Converge’s primary candidate, as import No. 3 in the conference vice second import Mr. Franklin, who got the boot after failing to lead the team to victory in his three appearances in place of original reinforcement Jalen Hudson.
But after Travin Thibodeaux measured over the 6-foot-6 inch height limit, he eventually received the call.
Now on his fourth tour of duty, the 34-year-old Mr. Clark is expected to take a relatively shorter adjustment period with the Dennis Pineda-coached squad.
It’s not long ago since he last saw action, beefing guest team Eastern in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup and averaging 29.2 points, 12 rebounds, 1.4 assists 1 block in powering the Hong Kong club to 3-2 as its first import.
Prior to this, he manned the fort and helped San Miguel Beer men to a semifinal finish in the Season 47 Governors’ Cup, accounting for 28.7 markers, 11.3 boards, and 3.2 dimes over 15 matches.
This came after making his PBA debut as NLEX’s replacement import in the Season 46 Governors’ Cup with solid numbers of 24.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.8 steals.
Mr. Clark buckles down to work at once in the 5:15 p.m. tiff against a Dyip side riding on its king-sized 114-109 toppling of the erstwhile unbeaten Road Warriors just last Friday.
Meanwhile, NLEX (6-1) gets a quick chance at a bounceback in the 7:30 p.m. main game versus defending champion TNT (4-3).
It’s guaranteed a dogfight as Jimmy Alapag and the Road Warriors face the wrath of Chot Reyes and Tropang 5G, who are out to avenge their 83-88 defeat to the former exactly a week ago.
“For our team, it’s just about continuing to grow, continuing to improve and we’ll see how we bounce back on Tuesday,” said Mr. Alapag after seeing their unblemished card stained. — Olmin Leyba