Converge FiberXers fended off a furious rally from San Miguel Beer to clinch a 100-97 win in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations Wednesday night, June 11, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The FiberXers, who once led by 18 points, saw their cushion vanish late in the fourth before regaining control behind clutch plays from Schonny Winston. He delivered a game-high 25 points, including crucial baskets in the closing minutes, to lift Converge to a 7-4 record and keep them in strong playoff position.

Winston, Arana anchor FiberXers’ bounce-back

Justin Arana also stood out with 21 points in a strong showing against six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo. The win capped a two-game streak to close the eliminations for the FiberXers, putting them in contention for at least the sixth seed and potentially avoiding a quarterfinal matchup with the Beermen.

“Winning our last two games was crucial,” said a team insider. “It changes the complexion of the playoffs.”

SMB, NLEX stumble as playoff race tightens

Despite a huge second-half push, San Miguel couldn’t complete the comeback. The Beermen briefly led 93-89 before Converge regrouped for a final surge. CJ Perez’s missed three-point attempt in the dying seconds sealed SMB’s fate.

The loss dropped San Miguel to 7-3, tying them with Magnolia and Ginebra from second to fourth. Converge now sits just behind at 7-4, with TNT and Rain or Shine lurking at 6-4. NLEX also lost later that evening to NorthPort, shaking up the Top Four standings even further.

With four games left in the eliminations, SMB still has a shot at the No. 1 seed, but their hopes now rest on a win against NorthPort in their final outing.