Perez, Cruz take turns as San Miguel gains semis lead, pushes Ginebra to brink

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San Miguel wins back-to-back games for the first time in the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs as it moves within a victory of a return trip to the finals behind the stellar play of CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz

MANILA, Philippines – CJ Perez picked Barangay Ginebra apart in the fourth quarter and steered San Miguel to an all-important 103-92 win in Game 5 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, July 4.

Perez poured 12 of his game-high 31 points in the final frame as the Beermen completed their comeback from a double-digit deficit to gain a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven clash and move within a victory of a return trip to the finals.

Jericho Cruz shared the spotlight with 27 points and 4 steals off the bench, his best scoring outing of the season coming at just the right time to help the Beermen win back-to-back games for the first time in this playoffs.

“I have to take my shots. If they fall, coach will let me stay on the court. If they miss, next man up,” said Cruz, who made 9 of his 12 field goals for a healthy 75%. “I shoot every day so I’m confident with the shots Ginebra is giving me.” 

After Cruz took over in the third quarter with 12 points in the period, San Miguel leaned on Perez to bring the team home.

Perez scored 7 points in the closing 13-4 run that allowed the Beermen to break away after the Gin Kings pulled within 88-90 with under four minutes remaining. 

June Mar Fajardo turned in an all-around performance of 14 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks for San Miguel, while Don Trollano added 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. 

Trailing 1-2 earlier in the series, the Beermen are now a win away from getting another crack at the title as they hope to redeem themselves after failing to defend the All-Filipino crown last season against Meralco.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, though, does not want his wards to get ahead of themselves. 

“Usually, the team that wins Game 5 has a great chance to get in the finals. But we still have a lot of work to do because our opponents have the never-say-die spirit,” said Austria. 

Maverick Ahanmisi paced Ginebra with 19 points off the bench, Scottie Thompson posted 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Troy Rosario put up 11 points and 16 rebounds. 

Thompson had 7 points in the opening salvo as the Gin Kings led 20-12, but they relinquished the upper hand after being outscored 37-24 in the second quarter, with Cruz and Perez combining for 22 points in the period. 

The Scores

San Miguel 103 – Perez 31, Cruz 27, Fajardo 14, Trollano 11, Tiongson 6, Teng 4, Tautuaa 3, Lassiter 3, Brondial 2, Rosales 2, Ross 0.

Barangay Ginebra 92 – Ahanmisi 19, Thompson 14, Malonzo 13, J.Aguilar 12, Rosario 11, Holt 10, David 7, Abarrientos 6, R.Aguilar 0, Gray 0.

Quarters: 12-20, 49-44, 74-71, 103-92.

– Rappler.com