San Miguel def Converge, 107-100 [PBA S49 Govs’ Cup QF Game 2 | Sep. 28, 2024]

The mission is clear: Play a full 48 minutes of San Miguel Beermen basketball.

This is the challenge the Beermen face as they aim for a 2-0 lead against Converge in the PBA Governors’ Cup this Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The multi-titled SMB held the upper hand for much of Game 1, racing out to a 16-point lead. However, they let off the gas and watched their advantage shrink to just four points late in the game before ultimately securing a 102-95 victory to take the opening contest in this best-of-five series.

With Jordan Adams sidelined due to injury, SMB turned to EJ Anosike to bolster their playoff roster, and he made an immediate impact. The American-Nigerian showcased his skills by delivering a standout performance with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

Anosike and June Mar Fajardo formed a formidable duo in the paint, with Fajardo earning Player of the Game honors through a dominant 25-point, 16-rebound display.

For Converge to enhance their chances of leveling the series in the 5 p.m. Game 2, reviving Alec Stockton’s scoring touch will be pivotal.

Stockton, the team’s leading local scorer with an average of 15.2 points during the elimination round, struggled in Game 1, contributing only five points. This forced teammates Jalen Jones, Justin Arana, and Schonny Winston to shoulder a heavier offensive burden.