San Miguel’s CJ Perez. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer seized an early lead in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday following a 100-92 victory over NLEX at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
CJ Perez led the way, scoring 19 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Beermen, who claimed their second-straight victory in their bid to reclaim the all-Filipino crown, which they held for five straight years during the 2014-2019 seasons.
Marcio Lassiter added 18, while Vic Manuel 14 to help lead San Miguel against an erstwhile unbeaten enemy.
Don Trollano led the way with 21 points, while Calvin Oftana and Justin Chua added 16 and 12, respectively, for the Road Warriors who dropped to 1-1.
San Miguel hopes to extend its unbeaten run when it goes up against corporate sibling Magnolia again at the hilltop venue a week from now.
NLEX is hoping to be just as productive when it battles defending champion TNT, which, incidentally, is the Road Warriors’ sister team. The two clubs battle Thursday next week.