New import EJ Anosike carries San Miguel Beermen in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals against Converge FiberXers. –PBA IMAGES
San Miguel Beer weathered a late uprising by Converge to come away with a 102-95 win in Game 1 of their best-of-five quarterfinal series in the PBA Governors’ Cup Thursday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
From a sure victory, the Beermen saw their 16-point lead with less four minutes left diminished to four entering the final minute, but the FiberXers couldn’t capitalize on their chances to get even closer, or even perhaps, tie the game.
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SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals
New import EJ Anosike produced 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in his first game after replacing Jordan Adams, who suffered a hamstring injury late in the group stage.
Anosike is a nephew of ex-PBA import Julius Nwosu and a cousin of La Salle’s Henry Agunanne and had played for Nigeria’s national team.
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June Mar Fajardo had 25 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks to also help the Beermen’s cause.
READ: PBA: Converge carries streak into playoff duel vs San Miguel
Game 2 of their series is on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Jalen Jones posted 22 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals even as Justin Arana scored 20 in the start of his latest playoff battle with Fajardo, but Converge fell short in the series opener.
The Beermen were ahead 97-81 with 3:44 left when the FiberXers scored 14 while allowing just two to close the gap.
JL delos Santos’ triple put Converge within four, 99-95, with under a minute to go, but it proved to be the FiberXers’ closest chance at drawing level with the fancied Beermen.
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