By Peter Atencio
Cameron Clark poured in 40 points for the San Miguel Beermen, who walloped the Converge Fiber Xers, 121-105, to earn the first ticket to the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen, who had a twice-to-beat incentive, got 16 points from Clark in the third period, as they posted a 12-point edge, 94-82.
The FiberXers drew 39 points from import Tom Vodanovic, who was, however, held to four points in the last period.
“We prepared a defensive game for him,” said San Miguel Beer coach Jorge Gallent.
CJ Perez banged in 26 points for the Beermen, hitting 10 in the pivotal fourth canto.
This included back-to-back triples in the final 48 seconds, handing the Beermen an 18-point lead, 121-103.
Vic Manuel added 20 points for the Beermen, who was perfect with his 9-for-9 attempts from the two-point range.
“Nothing comes easy now,” said Gallent. “It’s the playoffs. We had a hard time against Converge today. We expect to have a hard time in the semifinals.”
Maverick Ahanmisi shot 18 points for the FiberXers.