OPENING day winners Converge and guest team Hong Kong Eastern try to create a winning momentum as both squads collide in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The FiberXers and the Hong Kong quintet clash at 7:30 p.m., following the 5 p.m. match between Meralco and Phoenix.

Coached by Franco Atienza, Converge dominated Terrafirma, 116-87 behind its game-long excellent shooting to kick off the new conference with a big win.

Hong Kong also had a winning debut in the tournament after routing Phoenix 102-87.

Leading the way for the FiberXers is NBA veteran Check Diallo, who finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds against the Dyip.

Big man Justin Araña will also be a key player to watch for Converge, while conference break acquisition Jordan Heading is expected to play a bigger role as he continues to find his way into the team.

The Filipino Australian sharpshooter was acquired by Converge recently after dealing Aljun Melecio, Keith Zaldivar and its Season 51 first round pick to Terrafirma.

Converge, however, needs to find ways to contain HK Eastern import Cameron Clark, Hayden Blankley, along with guards Kobey Lam and Glen Yang. All four players from Eastern have prior PBA experiences already.

Blankley, Lam and Yang were all part of the Bay Area Dragons team that placed second in the 2022-23 Commissioner's Cup, behind eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

Meanwhile, the Bolts will try to get off to a winning start with import Akil Mitchell in tow.

Mitchell, a Panamanian American big man, had an electrifying debut of 33 points and 22 rebounds, along with four assists after leading Meralco to a thrilling 81-80 decision against the Busan KCC Egis in their East Asia Super League Season 2 home-and-away tournament over a week ago.

The Bolts are raring to contend for the championship after being swept by the Gin Kings in their quarterfinal series in the recent Governors' Cup.

Read The Rest at :