July 26, 2025

Cjay Perez refuses to be dejected after lowest output in SMB-TNT PBA title series

Cjay Perez refuses to be dejected after lowest output in SMB-TNT PBA title series
Cjay Perez of the San Miguel Beermen | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

Just when San Miguel needed him the most, Cjay Perez logged his worst showing in offense in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals Wednesday, July 23.

The Beermen were aiming to deliver the killer blow against TNT in Game 5. Instead, it was the Tropang 5G who ended up celebrating as they breathed life to their flickering Grand Slam hopes as they ran away with an 86-78 victory.

It did not help that Perez only coughed up five points — his lowest output this series — as he struggled with a 1-for-9 shooting from the field.

But The Predator was unperturbed.

 

So long as he stays aggressive, an explosive performance will soon come for the former Finals Most Valuable Player.

“I think 'yon (being aggressive) ang maitutulong ko sa team. Kung hindi ako magiging aggressive sa offense or defense, hindi ako 'yon, eh,” said Perez, who normed 13.75 points in the first four games of the series.

[ALSO READ: Jericho Cruz rues San Miguel’s lack of effort in Game 5 loss to TNT in PBA PH Cup Finals]

Asked whether pressure got to the Beermen, who failed to close it out, Perez answered in the negative.

After all, he, along with his teammates, knew right from the start that hoisting the franchise’s 30th title would be difficult despite TNT being hobbled by injuries.

“Hindi naman namin [iniisip] 'yong pressure. They (Tropang 5G) are a good team,” Perez said.

“Siyempre, champion team 'yan. Hindi nila basta-bastang ibibigay. Kaya kailangan naming paghirapan.”

[ALSO READ: Calvin Oftana praises Almond Vosotros, TNT bench in Game 5 win: 'Malaking bagay sila']

For Perez, there is no point now in dwelling on a missed golden opportunity to clinch the series.

“Sobrang nakakahinayang pero may Friday pa naman. May isa pang game. Puwede pang makabawi,” he said.

Game 6 is set 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

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