Converge moved on the cusp of a breakthrough semifinal appearance after capitalizing on the early loss of import Deon Thompson to beat Rain or Shine, 130-118, in the best-of-three opener of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Import Cheick Diallo led the charge with 35 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks while Justin Arana, rookies Jordan Heading and Justine Baltazar and Schonny Winston were also instrumental in the FiberXers getting the victory despite a 17-point deficit in the first quarter.

Article continues after this advertisement

SCHEDULE: 2024-2025 PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals

The FiberXers also got a huge break when the Elasto Painters were forced to play with an all-Filipino lineup after Thompson fouled out with less than nine minutes remaining in the third period.

Thompson’s disqualification came after being called three consecutive fouls after halftime, much to the chagrin of Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao.

Article continues after this advertisement

Converge FiberXers’ Justine Baltazar during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals game against Rain or Shine Elastopainters. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Rain or Shine did keep the match tight for most of the third even without Thompson, but Diallo, Arana and Baltazar proved to be too much as Converge eventually pulled away.

READ: LIVE: PBA Commissioner Cup Quarterfinals Game 1 – February 5

Arana had 22 points and eight rebounds while Heading posted 21 points and nine assists even as Winston and Baltazar added 17 and 13 points, respectively.

Game 2 of their series is set Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with the FiberXers seeking their first-ever semis appearance since entering the league by way of buying the Alaska Aces franchise in 2022.

Caelan Tiongson scored 23 points in the loss as the Elasto Painters hope to even things up and force a deciding Game 3 Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Thompson had 14 points and six rebounds for Rain or Shine before fouling out.