MANILA – June Mar Fajardo showcased his inside dominance as San Miguel Beermen pulled off a 109-105 victory over Converge FiberXers in the do-or-die Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The eighth-time PBA MVP finished with a double-double of 40 points (15-of-27 field goal shooting) and 24 rebounds as the Beermen secured the best-of-five series victory at 3-2.
Down 91-99 midway through the fourth quarter, the Beermen leaned on inside conversions by Fajardo and Ejimofor Anosike to tie the score at 99-all before taking the lead at 101-99 on a basket by Fajardo.
The FiberXers took the lead for the last time at 102-101 on a three-pointer by Alex Cabagnot before the Beermen relied on the inside game to stretch the advantage to 106-102.
Converge made their last push at 105-106 on a three-pointer by Alec Stockton but San Miguel Beer got free throw conversions from Fajardo to increase the advantage to four points.
Anosike finished with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Perez ended with 10 markers for the Beermen, which will face the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in a best-of-seven semifinals.
Beermen head coach Jorge Gallent said they took advantage of the wide presence of the 6-foot-10 Fajardo to came back in the do-or-die game and pull off the come-from-behind win.
“Well, we just gave him more touches, (Fajardo) is a good post-up player and we just took advantage of that situation and we know when he is doubled that he is a good passer so we just went to him and he decides what to do,” Gallent said.
“Hats off to June Mar he is really dominant in this game so I have nothing to say for this guy but only praises,” he added. “This series also prepared us well for the semifinals against Ginebra.”
Jalen Jones tallied a double-double of 29 points and 22 rebounds, Stockton added 22 markers, while Bryan Santos and Cabagnot contributed 16 and 14, respectively, for the FiberXers./PN
BOX SCORE:
SAN MIGUEL 109 – Fajardo 40, Anosike 23, Perez 10, Rosales 9, Trollano 7, Lassiter 6, Cruz 6, Tautuaa 5, Romeo 3, Enciso 0.
CONVERGE 105 – Jones 29, Stockton 22, Santos 16, Cabagnot 14, Winston 8, Arana 8, Delos Santos 4, Nieto 2, Caralipio 2, Ambohot 0.
Quarterscores: 22-34, 54-57, 89-87, 109-105.
