In a stunning turn of events, Converge secured their first post-elimination win in franchise history. The FiberXers achieved this remarkable feat with a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback from a 21-point deficit, culminating in a buzzer-beater by Alex Stockton. This dramatic victory over San Miguel Beer, with a final score of 114-112, took place on Monday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
This victory marks the most significant achievement for the FiberXers since joining the league in 2022. By thwarting the Beermen’s sweep attempt, Converge now has a chance to equalize in Game Four of the best-of-five semifinals series on Friday.
Previously, the FiberXers had only advanced past the elimination round in three tournaments. In the 2022-23 season, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals after just one game in each conference. However, with determination and teamwork, Jalen Jones and his teammates orchestrated a fourth-quarter surge, outscoring the Beermen 48-25 to stay alive in the series.
Despite trailing 2-1, the Beermen still have two opportunities to clinch the series and set up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with the Barangay Ginebra Kings. Ginebra secured their spot in the Last Four with a 113-106 victory over Meralco earlier in the evening.
The Beermen appeared poised to join the Gin Kings in the next round after building a 27-point lead at 83-56 in the third quarter. They maintained a significant advantage at 87-66 in the fourth quarter before the FiberXers mounted their comeback, eventually taking the lead at 108-107 in the final moments.
Stockton, Bryan Santos, King Caralipio, and Deschon Winston took charge in the fourth quarter, building on the foundation laid by Justin Arana and Jones. Converge’s fourth-quarter dominance nullified EJ Anosike’s impressive 39-point performance.
Santos, Stockton, Caralipio, and Mike Nieto made crucial three-pointers, fueling the run that prevented an early exit from the quarterfinals. Santos shone with five three-pointers in a 15-point performance, complementing Arana’s 23 points, Stockton’s 20, and Jones’ 17. Caralipio and Winston added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Scores: Converge 114 – Arana 23, Stockton 20, Jones 17, Santos 17, Caralipio 11, Winston 10, Cabagnot 8, Nieto 7, Delos Santos 2, Ambohot 1, Andrade 0.
San Miguel 112 – Anosike 39, Perez 18, Lassiter 14, Fajardo 12, Romeo 12, Ross 6, Rosales 6, Trollano 3, Cruz 2, Brondial 0.
Quarters: 20-27, 44-53, 66-87, 114-112
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