San Miguel weathered a late storm from Converge to fashion out a 102-95 escape and draw first blood in their quarterfinals series in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The first game of the playoffs seemed to be just another day in the office for the dominant Beermen when they took a 16-point lead late in the final frame but they still needed to survive some tense moments to take a 1-0 series lead in the best-of-five affair.

June Mar Fajardo remained a towering presence for SMB with a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds to go with his three assists, three blocks and two steals while new import EJ Anosike had a solid debut with 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

The Beermen led in double figures for the most part of the second half and even looked to be on their way to victory after erecting a 16-point lead, 97-81, just a little over three minutes left in the game.

The FiberXers, however, refused to easily go down without a fight, unloading a huge 14-2 rally in just roughly three-minute span to cut the deficit down just five, 99-95.

Timely defensive stops along with the steady free-throw shooting from Anosike and Perez proved to be enough to seal the deal for the Beermen.

CJ Perez was not on his usual scoring ways only finishing with 11 points but contributed six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal. Kris Rosales also had 11.

Jalen Jones led Converge with 22 points and 12 rebounds while Justin Arana held his ground against Fajardo with 20 points. 

Schonny Winston chalked up 17 points but the FiberXers badly missed the contribution of Alec Stockton who was limited to just five points in the contest.

Game 2 of the series is at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Scores :
SAN MIGUEL 102 – Anosike 28, Fajardo 25, perez 11, Rosales 11, Trollano 6, Cruz 6, Romeo 4, Ross 4, Lassiter 3, Enciso 3, Brondial 1.
CONVERGE 95 – Jones 22, Arana 20, Winston 17, Caralipio 10, Delos Santos 7, Stockton 5, Ambohot 5, Cabagbot 3, Andrade 3, Santos 3, Nieto 0.
QUARTERS :  30-23, 55-50, 85-72, 102-95