San Miguel survives another close game vs. Converge, closes in on semifinals berth

San Miguel displayed endgame composure yet again, escaping Converge with a narrow 107-100 escape in Game 2 of their best-of-five quarterfinals series on Saturday in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

EJ Anosike proved his solid debut back in Game 1 was no fluke, dropping 41 points this time around alongside nine rebounds and five assists as they improved to 2-0 and moved a win away from a semifinals ticket. 

"We did better now. We were really composed, especially in the last six minutes of the ball game. The players really found a way to win now," SMB head coach Jorge Gallent said.

"They played their hearts out the last six minutes, that's why we got the win today."

Similar to the series opener on Thursday, the Beermen found themselves in the middle of a strong fourth quarter from the FiberXers, who pulled to within just four in the final 3:28 after a Bryan Santos triple, 93-97. 

Santos then sank three charities to make it a 96-97 deficit before Jalen Jones' layup had them trailing by two, 98-100. 

But June Mar Fajardo' split on the line and a basket from Anosike sent San Miguel to a more comfortable 103-98 cushion as CJ Perez put the finishing blow with a layup of his own. 

Fajardo led the local support with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists while Kris Rosales chipped in 11 markers, five dimes, and three steals. 

San Miguel will now look to complete the series sweep on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium at 7:30 p.m. 

Scores:

San Miguel 107 – Anosike 41, Fajardo 15, Rosales 11, Perez 10, Lassiter 9, Romeo 8, Trollano 7, Cruz 6, Enciso 0, Brondial 0, Teng 0, Ross 0, Manuel 0.

Converge 100 – Jones 36, Stockton 14, Arana 12, Santos 12, Winston 8, Andrade 8, Ambohot 4, Delos Santos 4, Cabagnot 2, Melecio 0, Caralipio 0.

Quarters: 23-25, 48-51, 78-72, 107-100.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News