San Miguel Beer (SMB) will look to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the upcoming playoffs when it takes on Converge on Wednesday, as the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup elimination round enters its final stretch. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Riding a four-game winning streak, the Beermen are eyeing an eighth victory, which would secure them a spot in the top four and guarantee a crucial playoff edge. Their latest triumph came in a 120-111 road win over Rain or Shine last Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City.
Coach Leo Austria’s squad, however, will be challenged by a well-rested Converge team, which returns to action after a two-week break. The FiberXers last played on May 28, defeating Terrafirma Dyip, 117-103.
Converge will lean on its youthful, high-energy core, headlined by guards Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston, alongside big men Justin Arana and 2024 top rookie pick Justine Baltazar.
Additionally, the team is hopeful that newly acquired guard Mikey Williams can join the lineup in time for the playoffs. Williams, a two-time PBA champion and former Finals MVP, was recently traded to Converge from TNT in exchange for Jordan Heading. He has not played since leading TNT to the 2023 Governors’ Cup title due to a contract dispute.
San Miguel, meanwhile, will rely on its battle-tested core, led by June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Juami Tiongson, Don Trollano, and Marcio Lassiter.
In the earlier game at 5 p.m., NLEX will aim to lock up the top seed when it goes head-to-head with NorthPort. The Road Warriors already secured a twice-to-beat advantage last week with a key win over Magnolia.
Elsewhere, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson continues to impress this conference. The 31-year-old guard reached a career milestone by recording his 1,000th offensive rebound during Ginebra’s 97–79 win over TNT on Sunday. Thompson, a seven-time PBA champion, is eyeing his eighth title this season.
