Converge is finally in the PBA Final Four. Flying the banner for the so-called independent teams, the FiberXers crashed the heavyweights’ party with a 120-109 win over Rain or Shine on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory gives Converge its first semifinal appearance since taking over the Alaska Milk franchise in 2022. Mikey Williams hit back-to-back clutch three-pointers to spark an 11-2 closing run, and the FiberXers took the series, 3-1.

Williams, Clark Lift Converge

Williams, a champion with his former team TNT, credited the entire roster. “This is very special for the team. This was real heartfelt as the team worked so hard for this,” he said.

Cameron Clark led that effort, again outplaying Rain or Shine import Aaron Fuller with 32 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and four steals. Fuller finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Justin Arana added 16 points, Alec Stockton 14, Juan Gomez de Liaño 13 and Calvin Abueva 11. Converge dominated early, but the Elasto Painters answered with a third-quarter push that turned the game into a shootout.

Converge Breaks Through for Semis

Converge lost Game 1, 120-124, then won Game 2, 130-125, and Game 3, 105-89, to move one win from the semifinals. In Game 4, the FiberXers capitalized and sealed the deal.

“Puso. In the crucial situation we didn’t give up,” coach Delta Pineda said, using the Filipino word for “heart.” Converge showed it in a physical game, watching a 17-point lead vanish against a more experienced opponent before grinding out the win.

Next up for Converge are the NLEX Road Warriors in the best-of-five semifinals. The other pairing sends TNT against the winner of San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, who meet in a do-or-die Game 5.