Converge's Q4 rally falls short as SMB takes PBA Comm's Cup QF opener

CJ Perez waxed hot for the Beermen. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—San Miguel's first-half barrage turned out to be just enough as Converge's gallant stand in the fourth quarter came up short and bowed down, 96-114, to start the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Beermen held the FiberXers to just 13 first-quarter points before erupting for 34 in the second quarter to open a 55-32 halftime lead.

Converge got its game going in the second half and went full throttle in the fourth quarter, drawing to within 11, 87-98, with 6:02 left.

However, SMB regained its composure late in the fourth to preserve the blowout win.

CJ Perez led the Beermen, who are now 1-0 up in the best-of-three series, with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Devon Scott added 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while June Mar Fajardo, one of the key players missing in the FiberXers' elimination round win over the Beermen, had 19 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, one block, and three steals.

SMB can close out the series on Saturday night also at the PhilSports Arena.

Quincy Miller's 41-point blast along with 13 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals fell short as Converge now has its backs against the wall after being in the running for the once-to-advance advantage in the quarterfinals for most of the eliminations.

Justin Arana and Aljun Melecio each added 11 points with the former also grabbing 10 rebounds for his own double-double.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno