Converge escapes past SMB as CJ Perez's last dash falls short

The FiberXers celebrate after Maverick Ahanmisi's clutch triple. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Converge survived CJ Perez's endgame heroics as the team edged San Miguel, 107-103, in their PBA Governors' Cup game on Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The FiberXers seized control of the game after going on an 8-0 run to take the lead, 94-91, with 5:04 left.

Perez then tried to will the Beermen back to the game, scoring their last 10 points to bring them to within one, 101-102, with 1:04 left.

However, a clutch layup from Jamaal Franklin and two free throws from Justine Arana plus a block on Vic Manuel helped Converge ice the game.

Franklin led the FiberXers, who tied their victims along with the TNT Tropang Giga at 5-1, with 37 points on six triples, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block, while Maverick Ahanmisi added 15 points, six rebounds, and one assist off the bench.

Cameron Clark made 30 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Perez finished with 28 markers, five boards, two dimes, and two swipes for the Beermen, who lost for the first time this conference, leaving Barangay Ginebra as the only unbeaten team left in the standings.

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