After a breakthrough win came an even bigger follow-up victory for the Converge FiberXers.
Stealing a 114-112 triumph Wednesday, the FiberXers roared on and pulled off another improbable feat with a 114-99 drubbing of the mighty San Miguel Beermen to force a rubber match in their PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals dispute Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Even with import Jalen Jones sitting out precious minutes at endgame on a landing spot foul on Marcio Lassiter, the FiberXers once again sprang a reversal, sending the Beermen to a deciding Game 5 Sunday over at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Schonny Winston, Justin Arana and Jones piled up at least 22 points each as Alec Stockton and King Caralipio contributed 16 and 10, respectively, for the FiberXers who put themselves in a position to reach the PBA semis in their third year of participation in Asia's first play-for-pay league.
Winston sizzled with 16 points in the third quarter on 5-of-6 field clip and 6-of-6 free throws, leading a crucial 37-24 storm that stemmed the tide in Converge's favor, 88-79, going into the payoff period.
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From there, there's no stopping the FiberXers from notching a second win in PBA post-elims play for the Dennis Uy franchise.
"We can't go with them one-on-one. We need team defense and team offense," said Converge coach Franco Atienza at what they threw to push the Beermen off balance.
"It's nice that despite the challenge of our import being in foul trouble, the locals stepped up."
Bryan Santos had his big moment as he rifled in clutch treys when Jones was confined on the bench at endgame.
Winston top scored with 26 points as Arana added 25 and Jones chipped in 22.
EJ Anosike put in 35 points and 11 rebounds for the Beermen who appeared gassed up in a tough ride, including an opening game in the EASL Wednesday night at the MOA Arena.
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June Mar Fajardo collected 17 points and 20 rebounds but bungled crucial charities down the stretch.
The FiberXers hit at a 13-of-19 field clip and 10-of-11 charities as against the Beermen's 7-of-18 field shooting and 9-of-10 free throws in the fateful third quarter.
Converge went on a 37-24 tear in the third and sustained the momentum with a 26-20 salvo in the fourth.(SB)
The Scores :
CONVERGE 114 - Winston 26, Arana 25, Jones 22, Stockton 16, Caralipio 10, Santos 9, Cabagnot 5, Ambohot 1, Delos Santos 0, Nieto 0, Anndrade 0
SAN MIGUEL 100 - Anosike 35, Fajardo 17, Lassiter 15, Perez 11, Cruz 10, Romeo 5, Trollano 4, Rosales 2, Tautuaa 1, Ross 0, Enciso 0, Brondial 0, Manuel 0
QUARTERS : 31-29, 51-55, 88-79, 114-100
