CJ Perez of the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup against Magnolia. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel's CJ Perez seems to be at his best whenever he faces Magnolia.
During the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals a few months ago, Perez won the Finals MVP award after helping the Beermen defeat the Hotshots in six games.
After a few games in the Philippine Cup, San Miguel faced Magnolia again and it was almost like the same old song on a different day.
READ: PBA: San Miguel extends unbeaten record to 8-0, fends off Magnolia
Perez shined brightest in the Beermen's 98-91 victory over the Hotshots at Araneta Coliseum on Friday, but it certainly wasn't easy getting there.
Just ask the Lyceum product, which was already gassy in just the first half.
“First half pa lang, pagod na 'ko (in the first half alone they tired me),” said Perez after finishing with 25 points, five assists and two rebounds
But that didn't seem to matter much to the athletic guard. After all, it was Magnólia's insane defense that brought out the best in Perez.
READ: CJ Perez on a high after stellar PBA All-Star Game showing
“It’s actually super challenging to face Magnólia due to their physicality and defense. That’s where you can see his ability as a player,” said the Gilas Pilipinas swingman.
“Maybe there are some moments where I get lucky and hit my shots.”
The 2018 first-round draft pick has been consistently on the rise in the PB All-Filipino conference and is also one of the biggest reasons why the Beermen are still undefeated after eight games.
The 2024 Commissioner's Cup Conference Player of the Year is currently averaging 20.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game for San Miguel, but he doesn't plan on stopping there anytime soon.
“Of course, I want to be consistent in every game. Whoever we're facing, even if it's not Magnolia, I'll do my best. I will give all my game for us to win and I don’t want to waste my coaches’ trust in me.”
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Perez and the Beermen look to keep their winning streak alive on Sunday when they face NLEX at Philsports Arena.
