PBA: Winston credits Converge team effort in forcing do-or-die

Schonny Winston leads Converge FiberXers past San Miguel Beermen to force a Game 5 in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—When Converge needed someone to step up and help force a do-or-die with PBA juggernaut San Miguel Beer, Schonny Winston answered the call.

The FiberXers looked down the barrel of a 1-2 disadvantage before forcing a decider in  the PBA Governors’ Cup’s best-of-five quarterfinals at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, 114-100, behind a stellar game from Converge’s sophomore guard.

However, instead of basking in the glory of his exemplary game that pushed the series to a rubber match, Winston credited the dub to the entire FiberXers squad.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals

“I feel like we all came out today and all of the team executed very well,” said the La Salle product. “We fought and clawed just from the beginning. We got here, we all fought to get here.”

Winston led all Converge scorers with 26 points plus six rebounds and five assists to match.

Helping Winston on the offensive end was big man Justin Arana and import Jalen Jones, who dropped 25 and 22 points, respectively.

READ: PBA: Anosike says San Miguel no plans of letting Converge tie series

The job, however, is still very far from finished for Winston.

In only his second PBA go-around, Winston will be given the task to perform in his first-ever do-or-die game in the playoffs.

“Excited,” is an understatement.

“I’m excited. It’ll be fun, especially against San Miguel… I’m excited, I love basketball and this is what we’re  here for,” he said.

“We have to learn what we can do to get better and make sure we can secure the win on Sunday.”

Converge and San Miguel Beer decide who will face Ginebra in the semifinals on Sunday at Ynares Center, Antipolo.