Fiberxers book first semis entry

Quarterfinal barrier finally breached.

MANILA, Philippines — After seven futile attempts, Converge got past the Last-8, meeting its date with franchise history with a 120-109 dispatching of Rain or Shine in Game 4 of their showdown in the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

On the hill after posting back-to-back victories in Game 2 (130-125) and Game 3 (105-89) to counter a 120-124 opening loss, the FiberXers made sure to capitalize on the situation and push the right buttons to seal the deal.

With this 3-1 verdict, the charges of coach Delta Pineda earned the right to face NLEX in another high-octane race-to-three series where a more glowing record – a maiden finals appearance – is on the line.

In his most explosive showing of late, Mikey Williams rifled in 17 points and capped his heroics by hitting two booming triples that triggered a decisive 11-2 barrage in the last 3:04.

Cameron Clark followed up with a bucket and two pivotal free throws to help put this one to bed for Converge. Clark finished with 32 markers, 12 rebounds, six assists and four steals.

“Puso. In the crucial situation we didn’t give up,” said Pineda after taking care of business in the physical match that saw them blow a 17-point lead and tackle a grindout finish against their more experienced opponents.

Earlier, San Miguel Beer showed Barangay Ginebra it’s not the only one with the never-say-die attitude in this tango.

With the dagger aimed at their jugular, the Beermen furiously fought their way out of trouble to steal a series-tying 108-102 Game 4 victory.

This gutsy comeback win from 17 down – a roaring followup to their 101-98 lifesaver last Tuesday – put SMB level with the Gin Kings after dropping the first two of the race-to-three contest.

And now the reigning Philippine Cup champs are in prime position for a reverse sweep and another “Beeracle” in the sudden death set on Tuesday.

“It’s too early for us to go home, we wanted to force a decider,” said San Miguel veteran Chris Ross of their efforts in the highly-charged fourth match.