CJ Perez. PBA IMAGES
MANILA,Philippines— San Miguel took the quicker route to a final four berth on Sunday night after holding off Converge, 121-105, in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Cameron Clark led the way with 40 points while CJ Perez and Vic Manuel chipped in 26 and 20, respectively, for the Beermen who remain on track to win a second crown this season.
Jericho Cruz scored 12 points off the bench in a gutsy win over a FiberXers crew that flaunted a new reinforcement.
Tom Vodanovich, a member of the New Zealand national team and Converge’s original choice for import in the third conference, finished with 39 points and 10 rebounds.
Maverick Ahanmisi had 18 points in his last game of a tournament where he has been splendid as Justin Arana, Aljun Melecio and Alec Stockton all finished in twin digits for the club who again bowed to the same enemy they lost to during the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
San Miguel also drew contributions from Mo Tautuaa, Marcio Lassiter, and Simon Enciso for a collective outing that came at a time when it is missing cornerstone June Mar Fajardo (knee injury).
The Beermen, who took the floor with twice-to-beat protection, led by as many as 18 points.
Up next for the Beermen is the winner of twice-to-beat Barangay Ginebra and NLEX which is playing as of press time.