EJ Anosike drops 41 as Beermen move on cusp of semis

EJ Anosike delivered a powerhouse performance as San Miguel overcame a resilient Converge with a 107-100 victory, edging closer to a potential semifinals berth in the PBA Governors’ Cup held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Anosike, visibly more at ease compared to his debut in Game 1, exploded for a commanding 41 points—17 of which came in a pivotal third quarter. During this period, the Beermen took the reins and fended off a late rally from the FiberXers.

San Miguel established a commanding 2-0 series lead in this best-of-five contest, setting the stage for a potential sweep in Game 3 on Monday, Sept. 30.

Anosike also grabbed nine rebounds and provided five assists. Meanwhile, June Mar Fajardo contributed with a robust double-double, scoring 15 points and pulling down 15 rebounds.

Kris Rosales added crucial support, scoring eight of his 11 points in the latter half, while CJ Perez masterfully directed the offense with eight assists and 10 points.

Initially trailing for most of the first half, the Beermen found their offensive groove in the third quarter. They built a 76-67 lead towards the end of the quarter and extended it to their largest at 12 points, 95-83, early in the final period.

Converge, however, was not ready to concede. Sparked by import Jalen Jones and Bryan Santos, they rallied with a 13-2 run, closing the gap to a mere point, 97-96, with just over three minutes remaining.

A critical three-pointer from Marcio Lassiter reestablished San Miguel’s momentum, igniting a 10-4 run that sealed the victory.

Jones led Converge with an impressive double-double of 36 points and 12 rebounds, while Alec Stockton rebounded from a subdued first game with 14 points, four steals, and a block.

Santos contributed 12 points, matching Justin Arana’s tally before an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the game.

The scores:

San Miguel 107 – Anosike 41, Fajardo 15, Rosales 11, Perez 10, Lassiter 9, Romeo 8, Trollano 7, Cruz 6, Teng 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0, Brondial 0, Manuel 0.

Converge 100 – Jones 36, Stockton 14, Santos 12, Arana 12, Winston 8, Andrade 8, Delos Santos 4, Ambohot 4, Cabagnot 2, Melecio 0, Caralipio 0.

Quarterscores: 23-25, 48-51, 78-72, 107-100.