PBA: CJ Perez explodes for 39 as Columbian nails first win, shreds NLEX

CJ Perez soars for a slam. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Columbian cruised to its first victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the expense of an equally struggling NLEX, 120-105, Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Dyip leaned on freshman CJ Perez, who had 39 points on a 16-for-21 shooting clip. He also had nine rebounds, three steals and three assists.

Import Kyle Barone saved his best individual performance for his last game in a Dyip uniform, scoring 31 points and pulling down eight rebounds.

“Coming from three straight losses, they [indeed] played hard,” said coach Johnedel Cardel. “Hopefully when we play Magnolia, [the Hotshots] are still on vacation mode.”

Barone will be replaced by Lester Prosper from the Dominican Republic, who is set to join the team on June 4.

Tony Mitchell had 32 points in his second game with the Road Warriors. Three more locals scored in twin digits, but their combined effort was unable to stop the bleeding.

NLEX slid to 0-4.

Columbian plunges into a long break before taking on Philippine Cup finalist Magnolia at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

NLEX, meanwhile, continues to grope for answers with a young but dangerous Blackwater awaiting the team. The two lock horns this Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.