Fajardo lifts San Miguel to PBA semis with 40-20 masterpiece vs Converge in Game 5

RIZAL, Philippines – June Mar Fajardo delivered one of the finest performances of his storied PBA career to keep San Miguel in the hunt in the Governors’ Cup.

The reigning eight-time MVP produced 40 points and 24 rebounds as the Beermen hacked out a 109-105 win over Converge in their do-or-die Game 5 of the quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, October 6.

His side on the verge of missing the semifinals for the first time in two years, Fajardo turned in his third career 40-20 game to propel San Miguel to the next round, where it will face Barangay Ginebra in a best-of-seven duel.

“We did not want to go home yet. We needed to win and we showed that,” said Fajardo, who reset his conference high in points and tied his conference high in rebounds. “Luckily, we got the win.”

Import EJ Anosike put up 23 points and 10 rebounds to backstop Fajardo, including a pair of free throws with 1:40 minutes remaining that gave the Beermen a 108-105 edge.

Fajardo then split his foul shots with under 40 seconds left to push their lead to 4 points, which proved enough as the FiberXers missed their shot at forcing overtime after Schonny Winston misfired on his four-point attempt.

CJ Perez chimed in 10 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals for San Miguel, which advanced to the semifinals for the sixth straight conference.

Jalen Jones tallied 29 points and 17 rebounds in the loss as Converge fell short of a breakthrough final four appearance.

The Scores

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.

Quarters: 22-34, 54-57, 89-87, 109-105.

– Rappler.com