CONVERGE, on Monday, needed a big fightback to stay alive.
And with their back still against the wall, the FiberXers are not looking far ahead but hoping to summon the best they could from their inner resolve in another win-or-die gig versus the mighty San Miguel Beermen Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
It's easy to assume San Miguel would be a monster of an opponent after its slip in Game Three followed by a losing debut against Korean team Suwon KT Sonicboom in the 2024-25 EASL season right before the home fans at the MOA Arena Wednesday.
It's very much likely the Beermen would pack a wallop in their return to the PBA Governors' Cup playoffs. And the question is what Converge can put up in return.
Game time is at 7:30 with coach Jorge Gallent and his troops taking their second shot at finishing off the FiberXers to clear the way for the highly anticipated SMB-Barangay Ginebra semifinal face-off.
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The Kings were the first team to the Last Four with their 3-0 sweep of the Meralco Bolts.
Right after Ginebra's disposal of Meralco, San Miguel had also looked headed to an early semis entry as the Beermen led by as many as 27 points and sat on a 21-point cushion to start the fourth quarter in Game Three.
But then the FiberXers pulled off a superb trick, climbing out of the deep hole and foiling the Beermen's sweep bid with a 114-112 steal.
The Converge bench erupted into a frenzy, with wild celebrations extending to the dugout and especially after the team owner announced the won-game incentive.
As it was a breakthrough for the ball club - the first win for the FiberXers in the post-elims since taking over the Alaska Milk franchise in 2022.
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As the euphoria subsided, the team wouldn't be carried away, realistic they haven't achieved anything yet but just one win in a race-to-three series.
"It's still far. Isa pa lang ito. It's one of the three. It's hard to beat that team three straight. But we will take it one game muna," said Converge coach Franco Atienza.
They're only focused at Game Four where they take a shot at a second straight win in a bid to force a deciding Game Five.
They know it's not easy. (SB)
