Beermen take down FiberXers in Tiaong

San Miguel emerged victorious against Converge, prevailing with a score of 105-96 in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup at the Tiaong Convention Center in Quezon.

Despite a strong fightback from the FiberXers, the Beermen managed to maintain their lead, which reached a high of 18 points, primarily due to their impressive three-point shooting.

With this win, San Miguel’s record now stands at 2-1, while Converge suffered their fourth consecutive loss in the league’s first official out-of-town match in three years.

June Mar Fajardo played a crucial role in thwarting Converge’s comeback attempt by scoring eight consecutive points after San Miguel’s lead was reduced to just one point, 85-84.

Ivan Aska scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while CJ Perez contributed 24 points for the Beermen who established a 47-29 advantage in the second quarter.

Fajardo finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks for the injury-depleted San Miguel squad missing the services of Terrence Romeo, Jeron Teng, Vic Manuel, and Kyt Jimenez.

The Beermen welcomed back Jericho Cruz, who played 20 minutes and scored 6 points, and Marcio Lassiter, who saw just two minutes of action in his return.

In the game, Converge successfully made 15 three-point shots, with Mac Tallo’s shot in the fourth quarter keeping the FiberXers within one point before San Miguel leaned on the 7-time PBA MVP for the much-needed baskets

Aljun Melecio contributed 17 points and five three-pointers, while Tom Vodanovich scored 11 points but only made 4 of his 13 field goal attempts. As a result, the FiberXers now share the bottom of the standings with Rain or Shine, both with a 4-0 record.

The scores:

San Miguel 105 – Aska 28, Perez 24, Fajardo 22, Enciso 8, Bulanadi 7, Ross 6, Cruz 6, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 2, Lassiter 0.

Converge 96 – Melecio 17, Vodanovich 11, Santos 11, Balanza 10, Stockton 9, Fornilos 9, Tallo 8, Zaldivar 8, Winston 8, Arana 5, Racal 0, Wong 0.

Quarterscores 24-12, 50-37, 74-67, 105-96.