ANTIPOLO, Philippines — CJ Perez delivered his finest performance of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, exploding for 31 points to power the San Miguel Beermen past the previously unbeaten Converge FiberXers, 128-122, on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center Antipolo.
With CJ Perez leading the charge and import George King once again dominating inside and out, San Miguel improved to 3-0, earning a share of first place in Group B alongside NLEX. The victory also handed Converge its first setback of the conference after opening the tournament with three consecutive wins.
The Beermen showcased their championship poise by overcoming Converge’s second-quarter comeback before taking control in a decisive third quarter highlighted by CJ Perez’s unforgettable four-point buzzer-beater.
CJ Perez Sparks Another San Miguel Victory
After playing solid basketball in San Miguel’s first two games, CJ Perez elevated his performance when his team needed him most.
The veteran guard poured in 31 points, knocking down three three-pointers and a spectacular four-point basket at the end of the third quarter. He also finished with four rebounds, two assists, and one steal, making key contributions on both ends of the floor.
Every time Converge threatened to seize momentum, CJ Perez answered with timely baskets that kept the Beermen in front.
His signature moment came as the third-quarter clock expired. With Alec Stockton defending closely, CJ Perez launched a difficult four-point attempt that banked in off the glass, sending the Antipolo crowd into celebration and extending San Miguel’s lead to 102-91 entering the final period.
Following the game, CJ Perez admitted he was pleased with his shooting performance, saying he even surprised himself with the way his shots were falling.
He also credited San Miguel’s ability to stay composed after briefly losing its rhythm during Converge’s second-quarter rally.
George King Delivers Another MVP-Caliber Performance
While CJ Perez supplied the clutch outside shooting, import George King continued his outstanding Governors’ Cup campaign.
King erupted for 41 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, handed out four assists, and collected three steals while shooting 16-of-32 from the field.
The versatile import repeatedly attacked the basket, scored in transition, and punished Converge from long range whenever the defense sagged.
King also buried a crucial four-point shot midway through the fourth quarter that restored San Miguel’s comfortable lead after the FiberXers threatened another comeback.
Together, CJ Perez and King combined for 72 points, proving too much for the Converge defense to handle.
Beermen Race to a Hot Start
San Miguel wasted little time taking control of the contest.
King established himself offensively from the opening tip, while CJ Perez attacked aggressively in transition as the Beermen raced to an early 27-10 advantage.
The duo accounted for 23 first-quarter points, allowing San Miguel to finish the opening period ahead 30-23.
The Beermen appeared headed for a comfortable victory before Converge found its rhythm late in the first half.
Converge Fights Back Before Halftime
Despite trailing by as many as 17 points, the FiberXers refused to back down.
Justin Arana once again led Converge’s offense, receiving support from Mikey Williams, Jalen Hudson, and Justine Baltazar as the FiberXers mounted an impressive comeback.
Their surge allowed Converge to briefly grab a 57-53 lead, completely erasing San Miguel’s early cushion.
Veteran sniper Marcio Lassiter, however, responded with timely three-pointers late in the second quarter, helping the Beermen reclaim a slim 61-60 advantage heading into halftime.
CJ Perez Takes Over in the Third Quarter
The turning point of the game came immediately after the halftime break.
San Miguel returned with renewed energy and completely dominated the third quarter, outscoring Converge 41-31.
CJ Perez ignited the offensive explosion by drilling back-to-back three-pointers before delivering the incredible buzzer-beating four-point play that shifted all momentum back to San Miguel.
Meanwhile, King continued attacking the paint, forcing the FiberXers to collapse defensively and creating quality scoring opportunities for his teammates.
By the end of the quarter, the Beermen had regained complete control of the contest.
San Miguel Closes Strong
Converge made one last push in the fourth quarter, but San Miguel remained calm under pressure.
King nailed another four-point basket to stretch the lead to 113-98, while CJ Perez later converted a three-point play that pushed the advantage to 123-110 with under four minutes remaining.
Although the FiberXers continued to battle until the final buzzer, the Beermen executed efficiently on both ends to preserve the lead and secure their third consecutive victory.
Peter Martin Praises Team’s Response
With head coach Leo Austria still sidelined due to an undisclosed health issue, lead assistant Peter Martin once again handled coaching responsibilities.
Martin praised the Beermen for responding with greater urgency in the second half after allowing Converge back into the game before halftime.
He also emphasized that avoiding complacency remains one of the team’s biggest priorities, echoing a message that Austria constantly reminds the players.
The Beermen responded exactly as their coaching staff hoped, producing one of their strongest quarters of the young conference.
Arana Continues Outstanding Stretch
Despite the loss, Justin Arana continued his impressive scoring run.
After scoring 39 points against Macau and 31 against Terrafirma, Arana finished with 29 points, narrowly missing his third straight 30-point performance.
Justine Baltazar contributed a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Jalen Hudson added 15 points.
Alec Stockton chipped in 14 markers, Mikey Williams and Jerom Gomez de Liano each scored 12, while Calvin Abueva finished with 10 points.
Their balanced effort kept the game competitive, but they ultimately could not match San Miguel’s firepower.
CJ Perez Leads San Miguel Into Showdown With NLEX
The latest victory further strengthens San Miguel’s position as one of the favorites in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
With CJ Perez rediscovering his elite scoring touch, George King playing at an MVP level, and veterans Marcio Lassiter and June Mar Fajardo providing steady production, the Beermen continue to look like one of the league’s most complete teams.
Now sitting at 3-0, San Miguel heads into a highly anticipated matchup against fellow unbeaten NLEX, with first place in Group B on the line.
If CJ Perez continues to deliver performances like Wednesday night’s masterpiece, the Beermen will remain one of the strongest contenders for another PBA championship.
