San Miguel Beermen star CJ Perez delivered a performance for the ages, setting a new career-high and leading his team to the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals with a dominant display against the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
A Historic First Quarter Explosion
The game on Friday, January 16, 2026, will be remembered for Perez's scorching start. He was absolutely unstoppable from the opening tip, scoring 30 points in the first quarter alone while shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the field. This incredible outburst placed him second in the all-time record books for points in a single quarter, trailing only the legendary 71-point night of Bong Alvarez on April 26, 1990.
"When I made the first, second, third, and fourth shots, I just kept shooting. I was just taking the shots, and they went in. That's where the confidence came from," Perez said after the game, describing his red-hot start.
Sealing the Deal and a Semifinal Sweep
Perez's early barrage set the tone for the entire contest. He maintained his offensive efficiency throughout the game, finishing with a monumental 41 points to power the Beermen to a decisive 101-88 victory over their arch-rivals. This win completed San Miguel's semifinal series triumph and punched their ticket to the championship round of the prestigious All-Filipino conference.
The Beermen's offense flowed seamlessly with Perez as the catalyst, and the team's defense effectively contained a talented Ginebra squad. The final score reflected San Miguel's control for most of the game, fueled by one player's extraordinary individual effort.
Finals Bound with Momentum
This landmark performance by CJ Perez does more than just add a notable entry to the PBA record books. It sends the San Miguel Beermen into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals with tremendous momentum and confidence. Carrying the momentum of a decisive closeout game and a historic individual achievement, the Beermen will be a formidable force as they vie for the coveted championship.
All eyes will now be on Perez and San Miguel as they prepare for the ultimate test in the finals, where they will aim to cap off the league's golden season with another title.
