CJ Perez spelled the difference as San Miguel escaped Phoenix, 111-107, for a winning PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup debut on Wednesday night.
The one-time BPC came through when it mattered most, nailing a side-step four-pointer from the right wing — his only attempt from that range — with 56.6 seconds left to give themselves the 110-105 that left their foes stunned.
Perez finished with 21 points to help the Beermen gain a share of the lead with Rain or Shine as both teams are 1-0 in the Group B standings.
“Kinapalan ko na lang ‘yung mukha ko,” he said moments after the thriller. “Kasi, patapos na ‘yung shot clock eh. So lucky na pumasok.”
June Mar Fajardo starred in the triumph with a monster outing of 37 points and 24 rebounds, doing so three nights after winning his eighth MVP.
The SMB main man was responsible in sealing the deal, as he grabbed the missed four-point try of Ricci Rivero before splitting his free throws — off a duty foul by guard Tyler Tio — with 4.7 seconds left to play.
Jordan Adams finished with 24 points for San Miguel, who will try to go 2-0 when it faces Blackwater on Sunday, 7:30, also at the Big Dome.
Jason Perkins, on the other hand, had 18 points for the Fuel Masters. Rivero made 15 points as the locals delivered with Jayveious McKinnis struggling.
McKinnis only had 13 points and 12 shots but had 15 rebounds. JJ Alejandro was the other double-digit scorer with 10 in the defeat.
Phoenix is set to play on Sunday also against NLEX at 5 p.m.
The Scores:
San Miguel 111 – Fajardo 37, Adams 24, Perez 21, Romeo 7, Teng 6, Trollano 4, Ross 3, Manuel 3, Rosales 2, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 2, Cruz 0, Nava 0.
Phoenix 107 – Perkins 18, Rivero 15, McKinnis 13, Alejandro 10, Tio 9, Salado 9, Jazul 6, Ballungay 5, Mocon 4, Soyud 4, Garcia 4, Tuffin 4, Verano 4, Daves 2, Muyang 0, Camacho 0.
Quarterscores: 27-17, 56-52, 86-77, 111-107
