CJ Perez erupts late as San Miguel grabs 2-1 finals lead over TNT
CJ Perez shrugged off early struggles and a sideline incident to deliver a devastating fourth-quarter takeover, pushing San Miguel Beer to a 2-1 lead over TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

![Don Trollano delivered when it mattered most, powering SMB’s second unit and setting the tone for a statement win over TNT. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES936-400x200.jpg)
![Kelly Williams turns back time, Jordan Heading stays ice-cold at the line, and TNT shows it’s ready for a long Finals war. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES1334-400x200.jpg)
![CJ Perez drops 41 as San Miguel eliminates Ginebra and books a Finals date with TNT. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES649-400x200.jpg)
![Chris Ross shows why effort still wins playoff games. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES442-400x200.jpg)
![Jordan Heading drives to the basket against Meralco. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES935-400x200.jpg)
![Poy Erram powers TNT past Meralco with a 27-point performance in Game Four. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES349-400x200.jpg)
![Thompson attacks the lane during his career night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES168-400x200.jpg)
![Game 4 looms Sunday — can Ginebra respond or will San Miguel march closer to the Finals? [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES1220-400x200.jpg)
![The Bolts respond with urgency and discipline to stay alive in the semifinals. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES546-400x200.jpg)