The work CJay Perez put in during the offseason paid dividends in the San Miguel Beermen's opening game win over the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
CJay Perez felt the sting from San Miguel’s uncharacteristic early exit in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup for an extended period.
Then, he turned that frustration into motivation and began working on his game in the offseason.
“Naging motivation sa’kin 'yon na magtrabaho lang,” Perez said.
[ALSO READ: It’s CJay, not CJ: Perez shares story behind his name]
That was apparent in the Beermen's first match against NLEX in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Saturday, April 5, where Perez emerged Player of the Game.
San Miguel won 98-89.
[RELATED STORY: San Miguel thwarts NLEX to open PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup bid on winning note]
Perez finished with a game-high 28 points, four of which came inside the final minute as the Beermen weathered a late Road Warriors uprising.
He also had four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
“Pinaghandaan namin. Nagpakundisyon kami. Nag-focus kami sa defense, sa kung anong kailangan naming gawin,” said Perez after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
“'Yong last conference, wala naman tayong sisisihin. Sa amin 'yon. Sa team talaga 'yon. Nagkulang kami. Pero ngayon, we have a chance na bumawi this conference.”
Just as motivated as Perez was Juami Tiongson, who put up 17 points, including a booming triple with 1:26 left to play that broke the 85-all tie and gave SMB the lead for good.
June Mar Fajardo added 13 points and 11 rebounds that went with five assists while Don Trollano scored 13 for the Beermen, who squandered a 15-point lead.
“Give credit to NLEX because they were down by 15 points. They were able to get back,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.
Mike Miranda paced the Road Warriors with 15 points, four rebounds and a block.
Robert Bolick chipped in 12 markers, three boards, eight assists and three steals, while Javee Mocon and Xyrus Torres had 11 points apiece.
San Miguel vs NLEX Scores
SAN MIGUEL 98 – Perez 28, Tiongson 17, Fajardo 13, Trollano 12, Lassiter 8, Cahilig 6, Tautuaa 6, Teng 6, Brondial 2, Rosales 0, Ross 0.
NLEX 89 – Miranda 15, Bolick 12, Mocon 11, Torres 11, Bahio 10, Ramirez 8, Alas 8, Herndon 7, Semerad 3, Nieto 2, Valdez 2, Rodger 0.
Quarterscores: 28-20, 55-43, 75-65, 98-89.