PBA: Perez refuses to be satisfied with another superb outing vs. SMB

MANILA, Philippines -- For the second time in his freshman season, top overall pick CJ Perez had a big game against the powerhouse San Miguel Beer team.

The Columbian Dyip guard was instrumental in their 134-132 overtime victory over the Beermen on Sunday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, as he put up 34 points on 15-of-22 shooting, while adding 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. He muscled his way into the paint with 12.4 seconds left in the extra period, giving the Dyip the cushion they needed to hold on for the win.

It marked the second time this season that Perez had performed well against San Miguel. In his debut for the Dyip, Perez had 26 points and 5 rebounds as Columbian upset the Beermen, 124-118, in the Philippine Cup.

"Big win para sa Columbian Dyip. Gusto naming i-ano 'yung winning culture talaga sa team kasi, 'yun nga, 'yun 'yung kulang sa team namin. Magandang effort ang binigay namin ngayon, sobrang happy para sa team," said Perez, who conspired with import Lester Prosper and Rashawn McCarthy in powering their team to victory.

• READ: Columbian frustrates SMB in overtime

This is just the latest in a series of strong performances for Perez, who is averaging 22.8 points, 6.75 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for the Dyip this conference.

He credits his impressive outing to the trust of his coach, John Cardel, adding that he was encouraged by their mentor to take charge down the stretch of the game.

"Siyempre 'yung trust ni coach, sinabi niya na kunin ko 'yung bola, so ayun, 'yung tiwala ni coach, kailangan kong suklian ng magandang laro or effort talaga," he said.

"Kasi ayun nga, iba talaga 'yung trust niya sa akin. Give and take lang kami," he added.

But the rookie ace said he cannot be content with once again torching the Beermen.

"Ayun nga, 'di lang ako pwede ma-satisfy sa nilaro ko ngayon. 'Yun nga, may tatlong games pa kami so sana, may maibigay pa ako at may mai-push pa ako para sa sarili ko at para sa team," he added.

Up next for Perez is a showdown with his collegiate nemesis, Robert Bolick, as Columbian faces off against NorthPort on Wednesday.

At 2-6, the Dyip do not control their playoff chances, but an upset over the playoff-bound Batang Pier will be a massive boost to their confidence nevertheless.

"Siyempre 'yung kumpyansa andoon na, pero dapat hindi pumasok sa ulo namin na tinalo namin ang San Miguel ngayon," said Perez.

"NorthPort 'yung next namin ata so ayun, ibibigay namin yung best namin. Every game ibibigay talaga namin," he added.

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