Converge gets fourth straight win on Christmas Day
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San Miguel stumbles in EASL assignment vs HK Eastern
San Miguel suffered a 71-62 loss to Hong Kong Eastern at the Southorn Stadium in Wanchai on Wednesday, December 18, making a win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) still out of reach.
The Beermen nearly overcame a 20-point deficit but ran out of steam in the fourth quarter, sliding to an 0-3 win-loss record in their second EASL campaign.
June Mar Fajardo delivered 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the losing effort that saw San Miguel collapse after getting within one possession with more than six minutes left.
The Beermen were down 19-39 at one point, but they worked their way back and were within 58-60 after a hook shot by Fajardo. However, Eastern put on an 11-0 run, courtesy of a tip-in from Chris McLaughlin, to restore order.
PHOTO COURTESY: EASL
By the time San Miguel scored a triple from Andreas Cahilig, the host team were already ahead 71-61 with one minute remaining on the clock.
Torren Jones registered 19 markers and 11 rebounds for the Beermen, while fellow import Quincy Miller was only limited to five points on 2-of-19 shooting.
With no other player scoring in double figures, San Miguel remains the only EASL team without a win.
McLaughlin recorded 16 markers, 17 rebounds, and four assists, while Kobey Lam finished with 19 points in the winning effort, improving their win-loss record to 1-2.
San Miguel will aim to finally grab their first win in the EASL as they face the Hiroshima Dragonflies on January 8 at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza in Japan.
The Scores:
Hong Kong 71 – Lam 19, McLaughlin 16, Yang 11, Blankley 7, Xu 5, Leung 5, Chan 4, Zhu 4, Cheung 0, Pok 0, Guinchard 0.
San Miguel 62 – Fajardo 19, Jones 19, Perez 8, Miller 5, Trollano 3, Tautuaa 3, Cahilig 3, Rosales 2, Ross 0, Lassiter 0.
Quarter Scores: 28-14, 48-34, 60-48, 71-62.
