FiberXers enter PBA semis for first time, oust Painters

MANILA, Philippines -- The Converge FiberXers stamped their first-ever semifinal berth, eliminating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 120-109, in Game 4 of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals series Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Converge got a timely boost from Mikey Williams and Cameron Clark, who got crucial buckets down the stretch in what turned out to be a shootout from both teams. 

Clark powered the FiberXers with 32 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Williams produced 17 markers, seven boards and three dimes off the bench. 

The teams were kept in a tight matchup through the fourth quarter, with neither squad gaining significant advantage. 

A pair of free throws by Adrian Nocum sliced a seven point disadvantage to just two, 107-109, with 3:23 remaining. 

Williams, then, heated up, connecting on back-to-back triples to give Converge a 115-107 advantage with 2:42 left. 

Caelan Tiongson made a layup to slice the deficit to six, 109-115, before Clark put the finishing touches, first hitting a jumper before completing a three point play that shut the door on Rain or Shine. 

Justin Arana had 16 markers, five boards and two dimes off the bench, while Alec Stockton had 14. Juan Gomez-de Liano chipped in 13 points in the win. 

Aaron Fuller stood tall for Rain or Shine with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but had five turnovers. Jhonard Clarito backstopped with 18 markers. 

The FiberXers will now take on the NLEX Road Warriors in the semifinals.