The San Miguel Beermen survived a challenge from a “pesky” Converge FiberXers squad, 109-105, to complete the semifinals cast of the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday, October 6, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Forced to a do-or-die Game 5 in the quarterfinals, the Beermen turned to eight-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo — and the “Kraken” delivered.
Fajardo put up a monster line of 40 points on 15-of-27 shooting on top of 24 rebounds, four assists and a steal in 41 minutes of action to power the Beermen to victory in the deciding game.
“We just gave him more touches, because he’s really a great post player. We just took advantage of that situation,” said Beermen coach Jorge Gallent after the game.
But it was a tough win for the Beermen, who once seemed headed for a sweep of the best-of-five series after winning their first two games.
They squandered a 27-point advantage in Game 3, however, and Converge rode that momentum in Game 4 to send the series to a final contest.
“We can’t relax against any team we play,” said Gallent.
“Converge was here for a reason … It’s a pesky, young team.”
The FiberXers led by as much as 13 points in Game 5 and were still in control, 99-91, off an Alec Stockton triple with over seven minutes to play.
But Fajardo sparked a 10-0 blast that put the Beermen ahead, 101-99, with 4:25 to play, and it turned into a nip-and-tuck affair from there.
The Beermen took the lead for good, 103-102, off an Eji Anosike bucket and a Marcio Lassiter triple made it 106-102 with under three minutes to play.
The Beermen left the door open for Converge, however, when Fajardo made just the first of two charities with 37 seconds to go to make it a four-point game, 109-105.
Unfortunately for the FiberXers, they could not execute down the stretch.
Stockton and Alex Cabagnot muffed an inbound pass, leading to a turnover.
After two missed free throws by Jericho Cruz gave Converge another chance, Deschon Winston bricked a four-pointer and Cruz came up with a clutch steal off Jalen Jones to seal the win.
Anosike finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, though he also committed six turnovers for the Beermen. CJ Perez shot just 3-of-11 from the field but still finished with 10 points, nine assists and six boards.
Jones finished with 29 points and Stockton had 22 points and eight dimes for Converge, which also got a 14-point outing from Cabagnot.
However, Winston was held to just eight points on 3-of-11 shooting, and Justin Arana had just eight points in a 20-minute stint as he struggled with foul trouble.
The Beermen will now play the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in the best-of-seven semifinals, which starts on Wednesday, October 9, at the PhilSports Arena. (ABS-CBN News)
SAN MIGUEL 109 — Fajardo 40, Anosike 23, Perez 10, Rosales 9, Trollano 7, Lassiter 6, Cruz 6, Tautuaa 5, Romeo 3, Enciso 0.
CONVERGE 105 — Jones 29, Stockton 22, Santos 16, Cabagnot 14, Winston 8, Arana 8, Delos Santos 4, Nieto 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0.
Quarterscores: 22-34, 54-57, 89-87, 109-105.