SMB escapes Converge to take early PBA Govs' Cup QF lead

June Mar Fajardo outplayed Justin Arana in the battle of Danny Ildefonso prodigies. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel escaped a last dash from Converge to take a 102-95 win in Game 1 of their PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Up 97-81 with 3:44 left, the Beermen found themselves in trouble of blowing their huge lead after the FiberXers went on a 14-2 run to cut the lead down to only four, 99-95, with 57 seconds left.

Converge even had a chance to cut the lead further after Alec Stockton stripped the ball away from SMB's new import EJ Anosike.

However, JL Delos Santos mistimed a long pass intended for Schonny Winston even as the FiberXers failed to complete another steal.

Anosike made two free throws, and CJ Perez added a split to seal the Beermen's win.

Anosike made a good account for himself in his PBA debut with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

June Mar Fajardo was in his dominant self, contributing 25 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals for SMB, which took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-five series.

Jalen Jones made 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Justin Arana added 20 points and six rebounds for Converge.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno