CJ Perez lauds Ginebra defense after SMB semis exit
San Miguel Beer guard CJ Perez.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer star CJ Perez commended Barangay Ginebra’s defense in the Beermen’s loss that ended their campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The usually explosive Perez was silenced on Sunday in Game 6 of the semifinals with the Gin Kings hounding him from the get-go.
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“Ginebra’s really a tough team. They’re so disciplined and great on defense. For us we need to move on and get better,” said Perez in Filipino.
READ: Ginebra eliminates San Miguel, sets up PBA Finals rematch vs TNT
“We just didn’t make our shots in the end.”
Perez finished with 13 points, six rebounds and eight assists. He shot just 6-of-17 from the field, including 1-of-6 from the 3-point area.
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“Their defense was focused on me. Hopefully, in the next playoffs or conferences, I’ll be better and I’ll do my best to be better.”
READ: PBA Finals loss fuels CJ Perez to get better
San Miguel’s semifinal exit was the franchise’s first in three conferences after making the championship round in the previous two conferences, including a Commissioner’s Cup crown.
“It’ll be us [going to the finals], next time,” Perez said.
“We’ll do our best to get better next conference. Hopefully, we can beat Justin (Brownlee) and Ginebra.”
