CJ Perez nets multiple PBA records in opening quarter to remember

MANILA, Philippines – When CJ Perez’s first couple of shots fell, he sensed he was up for a big night.

It turned out to be a historic one.

Perez dazzled in an opening quarter to remember as he propelled defending champion San Miguel back to the PBA Philippine Cup finals, starring in a 101-88 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, January 16.

A three-time scoring champion, Perez exploded for 30 points on a perfect 12-of-12 clip in the first period alone on the way to a career-high 41 points to help the Beermen arrange an all-Filipino title rematch with TNT. 

That blazing start netted multiple PBA records for Perez, including most points scored by a player (local or import) in an opening quarter, most points scored by a player in a quarter in the playoffs, and most field goals made in a quarter without a miss, according to league chief statistician Fidel Mangonon. 

Perez also tied Bong Alvarez for second-most points scored in a quarter by a local, only behind the record of 39 points owned by PBA icon Allan Caidic.

Alvarez dropped 30 of his career-high 71 points in the fourth quarter when he led Alaska to a 169-138 win over Shell in 1990, while Caidic scattered 37 of his career-high 71 points — the most by a local in PBA history — for Tivoli in the third quarter of a 162-149 victory over Ginebra in 1991. 

Perez said his scoring onslaught brought back memories of his time at Terrafirma, where he notched his previous career high of 39 points on an ultra-efficient 16-of-21 shooting, including 7 of 8 from three-point land, in a 120-105 win over NLEX in 2019. 

“It was the same feeling. It felt like I was not going to miss. I’m so happy to have this kind of game for San Miguel,” said Perez in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Perez opened his offensive masterclass with three layups before he extended his range, going 3 of 3 from three-point distance in the period.  

In perhaps an attempt to test his hot hand, Perez fired a four-pointer over the outstretched arms of RJ Abarrientos with over two minutes left in the quarter and saw the ball hit nothing but net. 

Capping his 30-point quarter with a double-pump layup over Norbert Torres, Perez outscored the entire Gin Kings squad in period as San Miguel built a 39-15 cushion — a lead that proved enough to stave off an inspired Ginebra comeback in the second half. 

Perez could have scored more if not for his foul woes that kept him sidelined for most of the third quarter, where he picked up his fourth foul.

“If he did not get into foul trouble, I would have played him the entire game. That is how I trust my players,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria of Perez. “If they’re playing well, they will stay inside.”

Perez took charge in a game that saw June Mar Fajardo limited to a conference-low 4 points, although the nine-time PBA MVP grabbed 18 rebounds and dished out 3 assists.

Don Trollano aided Perez with 23 points (11 in the fourth quarter) and 8 rebounds as the only other San Miguel player in double-digit scoring.

Scottie Thompson produced 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in another final four ouster for Ginebra, which got the boot from the Beermen for the second consecutive conference.

As San Miguel battles the Tropang 5G for the All-Filipino crown for the second straight season in a best-of-seven finale starting on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Perez can only hope to replicate his once-in-a-lifetime performance.

“We were able to breathe a little, but it will be another stressful series for sure,” Perez said. – Rappler.com