CJ Perez drops 32 as SMB rips Phoenix in PBA's return from All-Star break

CJ Perez had himself an Easter to remember. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—CJ Perez started strong and finished even stronger as San Miguel turned back Phoenix, 116-102, in the PBA's return from a long All-Star break that spilled into the Holy Week on Easter Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Perez quickly led the way for the Beermen with 10 points in the first quarter to help build a 27-23 lead against the Fuel Masters.

However, Perez mainly got huge help from Jericho Cruz, Terrence Romeo, June Mar Fajardo, and Don Trollano as SMB dropped 37 points on Phoenix in the third quarter to go up, 86-75.

Perez then had 12 more points in the fourth quarter to lead the Beermen's closeout on the Fuel Masters.

Perez finished with 32 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals for SMB, which moved to 3-0 in the Philippine Cup.

Cruz added 17 points, two rebounds, four assists, and one steal, while Fajardo had 13 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists.

JJay Alejandro and Matthew Daves each scored 13 points to lead Phoenix, which fell to 1-4.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno