CJ Perez scattered 21 points off the bench as he helped six-time champion San Miguel Beer beat NLEX 110-93 in the 46th PBA Season Philippine Cup Friday, July 23 at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City.
Perez, obtained in a trade with Terrafirma Dyip during the offseason, scored 13 points in the second quarter when the Beermen took control of the game, turning a 32-22 lead after the opening period to 61-44 halftime advantage.
Alex Cabagnot contributed 17 points for SMB, while Mo Tautuaa added 16 points, and Marcio Lassiter and six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo chipped in 14 points for the Beermen. Von Pessumal came off the bench with 10 points.
Arwind Santos finished with nine points and 12 rebounds as he led the team’s defensive domination in controlling the boards 59-44.
It was the first win for San Miguel after a 93-87 defeat to the Meralco Bolts last Sunday, where guard Terrence Romeo sustained a left knee injury. Romeo missed the game and his return remains uncertain.
NLEX dropped to 1-2, unable to follow up its big 94-75 win against defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel also last Sunday. They lost to Rain or Shine 83-82 on opening last Friday, July16.
Kevin Alas led the Road Warriors with 20 points while Kiefer Ravena added 16 points, but the backcourt duo combined a 13-of-30 shooting from the field. Raul Soyud had 15 points and seven rebounds.
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 110 – Perez 21, Cabagnot 17, Tautuaa 16, Lassiter 14, Fajardo 14, Pessumal 10, Santos 9, Zamar 4, Ross 3, Gamalinda 2.
NLEX 93 – Alas 20, Ravena 16, Soyud 15, Quinahan 9, Paniamogan 8, Oftana 7, Miranda 5, Semerad 5, Trollano 3, Cruz 3, Porter 2.
Quarters: 32-22; 61-44; 88-67; 110-93.