MAGIC MAN: Perez pulls pivotal 7 in crunch, lifts SMB to 2–1 series lead

CJ Perez fused grit and poise by unloading a decisive seven-point burst in the fourth quarter to rally back San Miguel Beermen (SMB) past TNT Tropang 5G (TNT) in thrilling fashion, 95–89, during the Game 3 of the PBA 50 Philippine Cup Finals at the SM Moa Arena, Jan. 25.

Limited to just three points through the first three quarters, Perez erupted late, drilling a four-point play followed by a clutch triple with 41.8 seconds remaining to fend off a TNT comeback, pushing the Beermens to a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The 31-year-old hooper paced the Beermens with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists despite struggling early with 1-of-7 shooting. 

Big men Don Trollano and June Mar Fajardo backed him up with 19 and 16 markers, respectively. 

San Miguel appeared in control early, building a 17-point cushion in the second quarter, but TNT clawed back to within two at halftime behind Calvin Oftana’s strong 18-point first half, part of the Tropang 5G’s 33-point perimeter output.

Trollano sparked the Beermen in the third quarter with an 8-0 personal run, but Poy Erram’s strong drives kept TNT within striking distance.

TNT even seized an 89-86 lead following a late dunk in the fourth, before Perez took over with a cold-blooded step-back triple and another long-range conversion. Marcio Lassiter then iced the game with free throws in the closing seconds.

Oftana led TNT with a game-high 25 points and five rebounds, while Jordan Heading and Rey Nambatac chipped in 15 and 12 points, respectively.

San Miguel now inches closer to the championship as it eyes a commanding edge in Game 4 on Jan. 28, again at the bayside venue.

TNT, meanwhile, will look to clean up its 19 turnovers in hopes of evening the series and forcing a longer battle.