SMB bounces back, escapes struggling Converge

Sports

WITH their reinforcement Marcus Lee struggling, Cebuano big man June Mar Fajrado put up import-like numbers and led the San Miguel Beermen to a tight 103-99 win over the skidding Converge FiberXers on Wednesday night, March 26, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Fajardo, owner of PBA-record nine MVP awards, unloaded 27 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, and two steals, allowing the Beermen to bounce back from a shock 112-119 shock loss to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers for an even 1-1 (win-loss) slate.

It was a much-needed win for the Beermen as they are set for a gigantic duel with the Bol Bol-led defending champions TNT Tropang 5G on Saturday, March 28.

CJ Perez tallied 24 points, Don Trollano piled up 18, and Marcio Lassiter had 11 as the Beermen survived the meager 10-point output by import Marcus Lee.

Lee’s counterpart, Kylor Kelley, also had a dismal showing after tallying just 12 points that heavily contributed to Converge’s third straight defeat to fall to 1-3.

Justine Baltazar top scored for Converge with 19 points while Alec Stockton and Mikee Williams added 17 and 14, respectively.

Converge’s struggle continued amid the absence of top playmaker Juan Gomez de Liano and energetic forward Calvin Abueva.

THE SCORES:

SAN MIGUEL (103) - Fajardo 27, Perez 24, Trollano 18, Lassiter 11, Lee 10, Tautuaa 7, Miller 4, Rosales 2, Tiongson 0, Brondial 0, Cahilig 0.

CONVERGE (99) - Baltazar 19, Stockton 17, Williams 14, Concepcion 13, Kelley 12, Garcia 11, Arana 6, Policarpio 5, Reyson 2, Muyang 0, Santos 0.QUARTERSCORES: 20-25, 42-50, 73-71, 103-99.(CCM)