PBA: Jericho Cruz joins CJ Perez's scoring barrage as SMB takes pivotal 3-2 lead vs Ginebra

CJ Perez sizzled for 31 points to help give San Miguel a 3-2 lead against Ginebra. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Jericho Cruz was a much-needed help in the CJ Perez-fueled San Miguel as the team now holds a crucial 3-2 lead in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against Ginebra with a 103-92 Game 5 win on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

While Perez was at his usual self with 31 points on 13-of-21 field goals to lead the Beermen, Cruz became the big boost off the bench as he put up 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting including an impressive 4-of-5 combined shooting from the outside as they used a 37-point second quarter to seize control from the Gin Kings.

SMB then finished Ginebra off with a 13-4 run within the last three and a half minutes of the fourth quarter.

June Mar Fajardo continued his stellar play amid a calf injury as he went 6-for-8 from the field for 14 points with 12 rebounds, six assists, three blocks, and one steal for the Beermen, who can close out the series on Sunday night.

Maverick Ahanmisi put up 19 points, two rebounds, and three assists, while Troy Rosario added 11 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists for the Gin Kings.

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