CJ Perez scored 33 points to lead San Miguel Beer past TNT, 110-95, Friday night, Dec. 6, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. Perez poured in 17 points in the third quarter, spearheading a 39-14 run that secured the Beermen’s sixth straight victory.

The win moved San Miguel Beer to a 6-2 record, tied with NLEX, Rain or Shine, and Converge atop the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup standings. TNT, who led by as many as 14 points in the first half, fell to 5-3, tied with Magnolia for fifth place.

Perez shot 11-of-17 from the field and 7-of-12 from the free-throw line. He also contributed three assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 22 minutes. “I’m giving my best every game – 101 percent para makuha ang ganitong laro,” Perez said.

Beermen’s defense fuels comeback

San Miguel coach Leo Austria emphasized defense as the key factor. The Beermen initially led by double digits but relaxed, allowing TNT to surge. “We allowed them to take shots from the perimeter. That gave us a problem. Then we realized we have to play defense,” Austria said.

After halftime, San Miguel reversed momentum. Perez’s scoring, combined with a tight defensive scheme, dominated the third quarter. June Mar Fajardo added 13 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, anchoring the Beermen inside.

Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, and Jeron Teng also scored in double digits, finishing with 12, 11, and 10 points respectively. The balanced attack and defensive adjustments ensured the 15-point win.

TNT struggles despite strong shooting

TNT relied on perimeter shooting in the first half, with Jordan Heading, Calvin Oftana, Kim Aurin, Kevin Ferrer, Glenn Khobuntin, and Jio Jalalon hitting triples. Heading led TNT with 18 points, including four three-pointers and one four-point play.

Despite the early charge, TNT could not contain San Miguel’s second-half surge. The Beermen’s resilience and Perez’s scoring display proved decisive in extending their winning streak.