CJ PEREZ exploded for a career-high 39 points on Saturday as Columbian trounced NLEX, 120-105, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Columbian rookie scored the first points of the game on a dunk, and added five more in leading the Dyip to an 11-0 start to the match. The Dyip piled the points once more after a league-record 14 steals in the first half to break their losing spell.
Columbian improved its record to 1-3, while NLEX continued its losing streak to drop to 0-4 after the Petron Saturday Special.
Kyle Barone, who has played his final game for Columbian, had 31 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while Jackson Corpuz had 18 points and eight rebounds for the Dyip.
“Sabi ko nga, coming from 0-3, mahirap i-motivate,” said Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel. “Pero this is basketball. Every game is very important. Even if we are 0-3, be professional, do your work, and do your job. It came out na nanalo kami ngayon.”
Tony Mitchell had 32 points and 16 rebounds, while Philip Paniamogan had 18 points for the Road Warriors. NLEX have now lost two straight games in the absence of head coach Yeng Guiao, who is on vacation.
The scores:
Columbian 120 - Perez 39, Barone 31, Corpuz 18, McCarthy 12, Camson 7, Calvo 6, Celda 5, Cahilig 2, Cabrera 0, Reyes 0, Tabi 0, Khobuntin 0, Faundo 0.
NLEX 105 - Mitchell 32, Paniamogan 18, Tiongson 12, Soyud 12, Monfort 9, Baguio 8, Rios 4, Erram 4, Ighalo 3, Galanza 3, Lao 0, Magat 0, Paredes 0, Taulava 0.
Quarters: 24-22; 54-39; 93-67; 120-105.
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