Tag: Perez

Rest heading into Game 4 vital for SMB, says CJ Perez

On: By: admin


San Miguel Beermen’s CJ Perez during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against the Meralco Bolts.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Unlike the first three games of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, San Miguel and Meralco will have more time to prepare and recover heading into Wednesday’s Game 4.

That’s exactly what the Beermen need, especially June Mar Fajardo, according to CJ Perez after a 93-89 loss in Game 3.

“The two days of rest will be huge for us, of course especially for June Mar,” said Perez in Filipino, referring to the seven-time MVP who had 12 points and 15 rebounds but committed seven turnovers.

READ: PBA Finals: Newsome, Meralco deliver own dagger in Game 3

“June Mar’s really having a hard time so rest is really needed now.”

Despite having Fajardo in tow, San Miguel struggled in the rebounding department which could be attributed to Meralco having the fresher legs.

June Mar Fajardo San Miguel Beermen Game 3 PBA Philippine Cup Finals

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“We just need to have a lot of energy to beat Meralco. That’s where we’re losing, also in the rebounding department, they had a lot more rebounds because of their hustle,” said Perez, who was held to just 18 points on 6-of-19 shooting from the field.

READ: PBA Finals: Meralco escapes San Miguel for 2-1 series edge

Aside from the rebounding woes, San Miguel also shot itself in the foot with missed opportunities at the free throw line, going just 23-of-35 in that area.

“The free throws were the most crucial. We missed seven late in the game and that made the difference. They also had a lot of offensive rebounds.”

CJ Perez turns frustrations into 34-point explosion

On: By: admin


SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals San Miguel vs Meralco

San Miguel Beermen's CJ Perez during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Meralco Bolts.

San Miguel Beermen’s CJ Perez during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Meralco Bolts. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Forget the past and focus on the present. That was the central game plan for CJ Perez in San Miguel’s Game 2 win over Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

In the Beermen’s 95-94 victory over the Bolts at Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Perez let his frustrations from Game 1 go to focus on an all-important second game in the best-of-seven series.

“I told myself that I won’t mind it [last game] because it was my mistake also. If they reviewed the tape in Game 1, I think it was my fault. I got fouls pretty early,” said Perez in Filipino.

HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Finals Game 2 San Miguel vs Meralco

“I just addressed it in Game 2.”

In the opener of the PBA Finals series, Perez figured in several complaints with game officials for his early foul trouble.

This time, the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup Best Player of the Game certainly locked in and brought the series back to square one with both teams tied at one win apiece.

San Miguel Beermen's CJ Perez during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Meralco Bolts.

San Miguel Beermen’s CJ Perez during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against Meralco Bolts. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Perez exploded with a game-high 34 points with five assists, five steals and four rebounds to match, including crucial shots down the line of a neck-and-neck game.

“CJ’s always been like that for the past two to three seasons. When we needed baskets, we weren’t hesitant to go to him or Marcio,” explained coach Jorge Gallent.

“We’re not hesitant to let him shoot the ball, especially coming in crunch time,” added the veteran tactician.

Perez and the Beermen look to take the one-up on Game 3 of the series happening this Sunday, still emanating live at the Big Dome.