Juan Gomez De Liano puts up historic triple-double in PBA debut for Converge 

Converge’s new chapter began with a thunderclap.

In a night that felt more like a relaunch than a routine opener, the FiberXers unleashed a furious offensive storm to dismantle Titan Ultra, 129–92, on Saturday at Ynares Center II — a win that signaled not just a fast start, but a rebirth. 

It was the kind of performance that made the rest of the league take notice: fast, fearless, and free-flowing. Even without much fanfare, Converge looked like a team unburdened — one that finally understood what it wanted to be under first-time head coach Delta Pineda.

“Nakita natin na nag-enjoy ‘yung mga bata natin,” Pineda said, smiling after his first official victory as Converge’s mentor. “Gusto namin ng mabilis na pacing, and the players executed that perfectly. They enjoyed the game, and that’s the most important thing.”

Titan Ultra came into the contest with confidence after upsetting Meralco earlier in the week, but their rhythm evaporated when Calvin Abueva limped off with a hamstring injury in the second quarter. What followed was a FiberXer avalanche — a 62-point explosion across the middle quarters that buried any hopes of a Titan rally.

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Juan Gomez De Liano is the Daily Fantasy BPG. #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/6dgJOe9gxK

— PBA (@pbaconnect) October 11, 2025

At the heart of it all was Juan Gomez de Liano, the rookie who played like he’d been waiting for this stage his whole life. The 24-year-old guard recorded 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists — becoming the first rookie in PBA history to post a triple-double in his debut.

“Not a bad way to start my PBA career, especially Gov’s first win as a head coach,” Gomez de Liano said. “We’re all just enjoying the game. Everyone’s happy, everyone gets their chance to play the right way.”

Justin Arana continued his steady rise with a monstrous 28 points and 22 rebounds — the kind of inside dominance that set the tone early and opened the floor for Converge’s young wings. Deschon Winston added 16, while Justine Baltazar, Alec Stockton, and Kevin Racal all chipped in double figures in a complete team effort that showcased depth and unselfishness.

“Nag-focus lang talaga ako sa kung anong magagawa ko sa loob ng court,” said Arana. “Sa tulong ng mga teammates ko, nagawa ko ‘yung role ko, and I’m very thankful sa opportunity na binigay ng team.”

It’s only one win, but it felt like something bigger — a sign of what Converge could become. A team that’s fast, hungry, and eager to prove it belongs among the league’s best.

Under Pineda’s direction and with Gomez de Liano’s historic debut leading the charge, the FiberXers didn’t just open their season. They opened a new era.

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