PBA: SMB erupts for 51 points in Q3 to oust Converge

CJ Perez continues to shine for SMB. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MAKATI--San Miguel went on a rampage in the third quarter to take down Converge, 112-103, in their PBA Philippine Cup game on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Beermen dropped 51 points on the FiberXers right after the halftime break, which was enough as Converge somehow did well in the other parts of the game.

The FiberXers had a solid first half, even taking a 34-22 lead early into the second quarter before entering halftime ahead by seven, 50-43.

Despite the losing effort, Converge finished strong, outscoring the Beermen, 33-18, in the fourth quarter.

However, SMB's 51-point blast in the third period turned out to be enough as they opened a 94-70 lead that Converge would find hard to overhaul down the stretch.

CJ Perez led the Beermen, who moved up to 6-0, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.

Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano each added 19 points, but Lassiter turned out to be the game-changer as 17 of his points came in that pivotal third quarter.

June Mar Fajardo put up 14 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, and four blocks.

Alec Stockton's 36-point blast which set a new career-high for him was not enough for the FiberXers to get that elusive win this conference as the loss, their eighth in the tournament, officially eliminated them from playoff contention.

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