CJ Perez emphasized the need for San Miguel to start strong and finish stronger against a powerhouse team like Bay Area Dragons.
The Beermen did get to a good start, but unfortunately faltered in the end, enabling the Dragons to steal Game One of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series, 103-102, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
Perez topscored for the reigning champions with 24 points, including seven in the fourth quarter when the Beermen had to battle the rallying Dragons point-for-point.
But San Miguel sputtered in the homestretch and lost a game it controlled for long stretches and where the Beermen led by as many as 16 points in the third quarter.
“Kami kailangan naming tapusin yung game lalong-lalo sa mga ganitong pagkakataon (semis). Kailangan naming maging focus more sa game,” said Perez.
The former NCAA MVP out of Lyceum admitted the Beermen were frustrated following the loss.
“Siyempre lahat naman kami gusto naming manalo. Yung ganung pagkatalo, masakit siya, pero series naman siya,” said Perez.
“So kailangan naming matuto doon. Kaya kailangan paghandaan namin ngayon kung paano namin tatapusin yung laro na kami ang mananalo.”
Game 2 of the best-of-five series is set on Friday also at the Philsports Arena.
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