SMB import EJ Anosike. PBA Images

MANILA (UPDATED) – A “composed” San Miguel passed another late test from Converge, 107-100, to install a pivotal 2-0 lead in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“Well, we did better now. We were really composed especially [in] the last six minutes of the ballgame when I think we are only up by one. The players really found a way to win now,” said coach Jorge Gallent in the postgame press conference.

After orchestrating a 12-point, 95-83 separation in the last frame, the biggest lead by then, the FiberXers managed to tear it down to a 97-96 count off conversions from Jalen Jones and Bryan Santos.

However, PBA’s 3-point king Marcio Lassiter ended the dry spell for the Beermen side by using his best asset, 100-97.

Local stars June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez — both in the top five of the Best Player of the Conference race — and import EJ Anosike followed it through with points of their own to hold off the gritty FiberXers.

“They played their hearts out in the last six minutes of the ballgame,” Gallent added.

Anosike was shy of a double-double of 41 points and nine rebounds to go along with five assists, while Fajardo added 15 markers.

Anosike’s counterpart Jones delivered a 36-point, 12-rebound performance, although for the losing cause.

“Converge is a strong team. They have a good import. You know, it’s just we were playing better in the last six minutes ng ballgame which is good. That’s why we’re winning ‘yung games,” Gallent asserted.

The Beermen have a chance to clinch a semifinal berth in Game 3 on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 107 – Anosike 41, Fajardo 15, Rosales 11, Perez 10, Lassiter 9, Romeo 8, Trollano 7, Cruz 6, Enciso 0, Brondial 0, Teng 0, Ross 0, Manuel 0

CONVERGE 100 – Jones 36, Stockton 14, Arana 12, Santos 12, Winston 8, Andrade 8, Ambohot 4, Delos Santos 4, Cabagnot 2, Melecio 0, Caralipio

QUARTERS: 23-25, 48-51, 78-72, 107-100