NOPE, NOT TODAY
From looking dead in the water, Converge has found itself on the cusp of pulling off the unthinkable at the expense of powerhouse San Miguel Beer.
Two consecutive wins, including Friday’s 114-100 result at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, propelled the FiberXers on level terms with the Beermen in their best-of-five PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series.
Converge, however, continues to embrace the underdog label heading into the decider at Ynares Center in Antipolo City, where at stake is a place in the semifinals against Barangay Ginebra.
“Facing a championship-caliber team, there’s no such thing as momentum,” coach Franco Atienza said. “It’s just one game [and] whoever wants it more [will get the win], however cliche that sounds.”
“This isn’t about history, stats or winning streak[s]; it’s just that one game,” he added.
The FiberXers haven’t been to the Final Four in their short history in the big league, with all of their two previous quarterfinal trips ending with losses at the hands of the Beermen.
As Converge savored getting another win over San Miguel in front of team owners Dennis Anthony Uy and wife Mary Grace Uy and a key backer, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, San Miguel spent the aftermath of its defeat figuring out a way to shake off the frustrations of being pushed to the limit.
It was the third straight loss in all competitions for San Miguel, which not only lost Game 3 despite a 27-point lead but also the East Asia Super League opener against South Korean club Suwon KT Sonicboom.
The Beermen couldn’t find ways to shake off a FiberXers side that controlled the contest with its up-tempo style and perimeter shooting.
Frustrated Beermen
Schonny Winston, Justine Arana, Alec Stockton, King Caralipio and Bryan Santos proved to be the major figures in the Converge’s massive showing that they hoped would translate in their final meeting of the season-opening conference.
“We fought and clawed just from the beginning. We got here, we all fought to get here,” said Winston, who led Converge scorers with 26 points while adding six rebounds and five assists.
Justin Arana had 25 points despite an injured right hand, import Jalen Jones finished with 22, while Alec Stockton added 16 for the FiberXers.
Frustration, meanwhile, was all over the Beermen with key guys like CJ Perez getting into foul trouble and June Mar Fajardo and import EJ Anosike having to work for their production.
Late in the first quarter, Mo Tautuaa lashed out at the end of the bench and had to be pacified by teammates and coaches.
Even team consultant Leo Austria and Chris Ross got into a heated exchange during one huddle. The two later patched things up.
That may set the tone for what’s at stake on Sunday, with Converge having everything to gain and San Miguel perhaps with everything to lose.
Before Game 4, Anosike told the Inquirer that the Beermen were ready to ice the series.
“We’re getting it done. That’s it,” he said.
He’ll have Game 5 on Sunday to follow through on that, and Converge will be prepared.
“We have to learn what we can do to get better and make sure we can secure the win on Sunday,” Winston said.
“I believe that even if somehow we were able to dictate some momentum, [it won’t matter]; we have two wins and they also have two wins,” Atienza said. “We need one win and they need one win.
“They are so poised, they have just good players and good coaches that won’t be affected by such predicament and they would be ready for the game on Sunday. So we will be ready [too], that I can promise.”
