SMB narrowly defeats Converge, avoids third straight loss

San Miguel Beer (SMB) secured a 116-113 victory against Converge in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, narrowly avoiding a third consecutive loss and claiming solo eighth place.

Import Malik Pope led SMB with a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds, alongside 3 blocks, while Juami Tiongson also contributed 22 points.

Converge's import Cheick Diallo scored 28 points, and the team was playing without the injured Justin Arana.

SMB almost lost their 19-point lead in the fourth quarter due to technical fouls incurred by Juami Tiongson and Jericho Cruz for bumping Alec Stockton.

During a critical juncture with key players in foul trouble, Jordan Heading sparked a Converge rally with consecutive triples, narrowing the gap.

Despite the late-game scare and technical fouls, Alec Stockton missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final play, securing the win for SMB.

Head coach Leo Austria emphasized the need for his players to mature and control their emotions, citing the technical fouls as a hindrance to the team's improvement.