CONVERGE secured a best-of-five semifinal showdown with NLEX after defeating Rain or Shine, 120–109, on Friday night, reaching the PBA’s final four for the first time since entering the league in 2022.
The Game 4 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ended the FiberXers’ quarterfinal campaign in the Season 50 Governors’ Cup and delivered a breakthrough after six playoff appearances.
NLEX had already advanced by sweeping Phoenix in their quarterfinal series.
Cameron Clark supplied 32 points and 12 rebounds for Converge, while Mikey Williams delivered the decisive baskets when Rain or Shine threatened late.
Williams sank back-to-back three-pointers to turn a two-point advantage into a 115–107 lead with 2:42 left. Clark helped complete the victory as the FiberXers held off the Elasto Painters.
Williams finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists, making four triples.
Converge’s supporting cast also contributed heavily. Justin Arana scored 16 points, Alec Stockton had 14, Juan Gomez De Liaño added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Calvin Abueva finished with 11 points.
The FiberXers led 50–33 in the first half before Rain or Shine mounted its late challenge.
Aaron Fuller registered 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Elasto Painters. Jhonard Clarito scored 18, with five other teammates also reaching double figures.
The other semifinal pairing remains incomplete after San Miguel beat Barangay Ginebra, 108–102, earlier Friday to force Game 5.
George King led San Miguel with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Chris Ross contributed 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds and five steals. CJ Perez and Don Trollano scored 14 and 11 points.
Ginebra received 27 points and 11 rebounds from Scottie Thompson and 16 points and 22 rebounds from Jordan Murphy.
The Beermen and Gin Kings will settle their series on Nov. 10. TNT awaits the winner.| – BNN Integrated News
