CJ Perez registered a new career-high on Friday on a record night for the San Miguel star to close the semifinals of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
Perez had 41 points in the closeout game for the Beermen to beat Barangay Ginebra, 101-88, to advance to the finals.
Perez was feeling it early, scoring 30 points while shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the field in the first quarter. He tied Bong Alvarez during his 71-point night on April 26, 1990 for the second highest point total in a quarter.
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“Nung na-shoot ko ‘yung una, pangalawa, pangatlo, pag-apat, parang tinira ko na lang. Tinitira ko lang, pumapasok. Doon pumasok ‘yung kumpiyansa,” said Perez.
Perez said he also got the go-signal from the San Miguel bench to take shots.
“And nakikita ko naman sila coach sa bench, talagang tiwalang tiwala. Pag tira ko pa lang, nakikita ko ‘yung mukha nila, hindi sila nakasimangot,” said Perez, smiling.
Many felt that Perez would have had 50 if he didn’t get into foul trouble in the third quarter when he picked up his fourth foul.
“Too bad he was in foul trouble because I felt like he probably could have got to 50,” said Chris Ross. “But all good. I’m sure he is happy with what he did and we got the victory.
Ross was in total amazement with Perez’s shooting performance although that kind of scoring prowess isn't really new to him, having seen his teammate's ability to simply takeover during practices.
“It just kept going. I was in awe. I don’t know if you can rewatch the game but there were times when he hit the three, and a four, my hand was on my head," Ross said.
"He was feeling it. There were times in practice where he does that. Credit to CJ. He got us on the right foot. Kinda took the crowd out of it," he added.
Perez said he could have also gone 50 if the coaching staff wanted to.
“Kung ipapaabot ni coach, abutin ko sana,” said Perez. “I’m still grateful na nakuha ko ‘yung ganitong career-high. It will not stop here. We will continue to play hard at sa practice.”
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