By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Converge FiberXers handed San Miguel Beermen its first defeat in the 2022-2023 PBA Governors’ Cup with a 107-103 triumph at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday night, February 11.
Down 88-91 late in the fourth quarter, the FiberXers got a triple from Jamaal Franklin and timely shots from Barkley Ebona and Justin Arana to create some separation, but the Beermen kept the match close at 98-99 on a layup by Jaymar Perez.
A three-pointer by Maverick Ahanmisi and two free throws by Arana pushed the FiberXers’ lead to 106-101. Beermen’s Jericho Cruz cut it to 103-106 with a layup, but a free throw by Jerrick Balanza sealed the win for Converge.
Franklin finished the contest with 37 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Ahanmisi chipped in 15 markers, while Alec Stockton and Balanza had 14 and 11, respectively, as the FiberXers improved to a 5-1 slate.
“It’s big and it’s a big morale-boost for us,” Converge coach Aldin Ayo said.
“But we have to handle this win well and we have to learn from this. Though we won this game, we still have a lot to work on. We’re still a work in progress,” he added.
Cameron Clark ended with double-double 30 points and 12 rebounds, Perez and Cruz added 28 and 14 markers, respectively, while June Mar Fajardo was held to seven points and 10 rebounds as the Beermen dropped to 5-1.
Meanwhile, TNT Tropang Giga rolled to their third straight victory following a lopsided 131-109 beating of Terrafirma Dyip. The Tropang Giga tied the FiberXers and Beermen at 5-1, while the Dyip dropped to 2-3.
The Tropang Giga displayed its full arsenal immediately as they exploded for 68 points in the first half, even as they kept the Dyip at bay until the third quarter to seal the blowout win.
Jalen Hudson fired 36 points on 12-for-15 field goals, six rebounds, two assists, three steals, and three blocks, Mikey Williams added 26 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 15 points, 10 rebounds and three assists for TNT.
CONVERGE 107 — Franklin 37, Ahanmisi 15, Stockton 14, Balanza 11, Arana 9, Ebona 8, Tratter 6, Teng 5, Guinto 2, Racal 0, Murrell 0.
SAN MIGUEL 103 — Clark 30, Perez 28, Cruz 14, Lassiter 8, Fajardo 7, Tautuaa 4, Bulanadi 3, Ross 3, Manuel 2, Brondial 2, Enciso 2.
Quarterscores: 29-23, 50-49, 81-76, 107-103./ASC, WDJ