CJ Perez is making a strong case as Philippine Basketball Association’s best two-way player.
On Thursday night, Perez proved that when he came up with big plays down the stretch and piloted San Miguel Beer to a 94-86 triumph over Meralco in the Governors’ Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Perez finished with 19 points, but had a big stop and a crucial basket down the stretch to quell the Bolts’ rally. A two-time scoring champion. He also had assists and two steals.
Also coming up big on both ends of the court was import Cameron Clark who ended with 28 markers on top of 12 boards and five rebounds. But more importantly, he did a great job limiting the production of his counterpart, K.J. McDaniels of Meralco, who was held to just 18 markers.
Curiously, Clark came in as a replacement import of McDaniels last season when they were still with NLEX.
With Clark and Perez combining forces on both ends, the Beermen stayed undefeated after five games and kept their hold of the solo lead.