The San Miguel Beermen began their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup playoff campaign with a determined 102–95 victory over the Converge FiberXers at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on September 26. Led by June Mar Fajardo’s inside dominance and EJ Anosike’s strong debut, the Beermen seized control early and survived a late rally to take a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Fajardo and Anosike Anchor San Miguel’s Win
San Miguel dictated the tempo from start to finish. Eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo powered the Beermen with 25 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, showing his usual steadiness and leadership in crucial moments.
New import EJ Anosike, replacing Jordan Adams, made an immediate impact despite an erratic shooting night (7-of-24). He scored 28 points, grabbed 11 boards, and recorded 5 assists, including 14-of-16 from the free-throw line, reflecting his aggressive style near the rim.
Fajardo, relieved after the team’s two-game skid entering the playoffs, said, “Buti nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. Kailangan namin mag-bounce back.”
Converge’s Comeback Effort Falls Short
The FiberXers refused to fold easily. Down 97–81 with less than four minutes left, Justin Arana and Schonny Winston fueled a 14–2 run that cut the lead to only four points (99–95) in the final minute. However, Winston’s missed three-pointer and a costly turnover by JL Delos Santos halted their late surge.
San Miguel capitalized on Converge’s errors as Anosike drained key free throws, sealing the win and steadying the Beermen’s playoff campaign.
For Converge, Jalen Jones led the charge with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Arana added 20 points. Despite their strong finish, the FiberXers’ 17 free throw attempts compared to San Miguel’s 37 proved decisive.
Beermen Aim to Close Out Series in Game 2
The victory moves San Miguel within one win of returning to the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. Game 2 will be held on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum, where the Beermen will look to finish the series, while Converge hopes to bounce back and force a deciding Game 3.
Final Scores
- San Miguel 102 – Anosike 28, Fajardo 25, Perez 11, Rosales 11, Trollano 6, Cruz 6, Romeo 4, Ross 4, Lassiter 3, Enciso 3, Brondial 1
- Converge 95 – Jones 22, Arana 20, Winston 17, Caralipio 10, Delos Santos 7, Stockton 5, Ambohot 5, Cabagnot 3, Andrade 3, Santos 3, Nieto 0
Quarter Scores
- 30–23, 55–50, 85–72, 102–95
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