Fajardo does it all as San Miguel overcomes Converge for semis berth

June Mar Fajardo made sure they won't go home yet tonight, pouring in monster numbers to power San Miguel to a Game 5 victory against no-quit Converge, 109-105, to advance to the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Ynares Center Antipolo. 

The eight-time PBA MVP erupted for a huge double-double of 40 points and 24 rebounds, alongside four assists and one steal, to help the Beermen bounce back from back-to-back losses in Game 3 and 4 and set up a semis duel with Barangay Ginebra. 

"Credit din sa Converge sa magandang series na binigay nila sa atin. Credit kina coach and sa mga teammates ko, nag-step up kaming lahat sa game na to kasi alam namin do-or-die na 'to," Fajardo said. 

"Kailangan naming manalo. Buti nakuha namin 'yung panalo."

While his brilliance was on full display all throughout the game, Fajardo stepped up the most in the crucial fourth quarter, draining back-to-back baskets before issuing a pass that led to an EJ Anosike bucket as the Beermen unleashed a 15-3 rampage after being down by as much as 13, 106-102. 

But Alec Stockton, whose triple sent Converge to a 99-91 lead early in the payoff frame, buried another long bomb to cut the deficit to one as the match started to heat up. 

However, he missed the next one that could have tied things up anew as Anosike's free throws saw San Miguel enjoying a slim 108-105 lead. 

Sealing the hard-fought win was a split at the line from Fajardo as former SMB star Alex Cabagnot committed a costly error in the final 27 seconds of the game. 

Anosike provided the support to Fajardo, churning out 23 points, 10 rebounds and three assists while CJ Perez chipped in 10 markers, nine dimes, and six boards.

Jalen Jones, meanwhile, paced the FIberXers with 29 points, 17 rebounds, two steals, and one assist while Stockton finished with 22 markers, eight dimes, and three boards. 

San Miguel and Ginebra will open their best-of-seven semis affair on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena at 5 p.m. followed by the pairing of TNT and Rain or Shine at 7:30 p.m. 

Scores:

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.

Quarters: 22-34, 54-57, 89-87, 109-105.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News