Converge import Jamaa Franklin vs San Miguel’s Chris Ross. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Dragged into a nip-and-tuck affair, Converge on Saturday night banked on its youth and tenacity to subdue San Miguel Beer, 107-103, in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The FiberXers hit all the necessary shots and made the crucial stops down the stretch, ultimately dealing the vaunted Beermen their first loss in the season-ending showcase.
“[This is] a big morale booster for us. Even though we won, there are still a lot of things we can work on. We’re still a work in progress,” said young coach Aldin Ayo.
Import Jamaal Franklin showed the way with 37 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Maverick Ahanmisi and Alec Stockton added at least 14 points each.
Justin Arana blocks Vic Manuel twice on the defensive end with the second one being ruled a foul.
Manuel missed both free throws.
Converge will have possession as they lead, 106-101, with 23.0 seconds to go. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ttXFgs3zaa
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) February 11, 2023
Jerrick Balanza scored 11 more off the bench as Converge improved to 5-1 in the race, ending San Miguel’s win streak at five games while catapulting itself alongside No. 3 TNT which won over Terrafirma in the earlier game, 131-109.
With their cornerstone June Mar Fajardo shackled by fouls, the Beermen instead turned to reinforcement Cameron Clark who had 30 points, and CJ Perez who kept it interesting until the final horn with 28 points.
Converge, which rebounded from a stinging loss to TNT, now turns its sights on NLEX in a battle slated a week from now.
San Miguel, meanwhile, will try to return to its winning ways when it takes on NorthPort this coming Wednesday also here at the bayside venue.