CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz power San Miguel past Barangay Ginebra for 3-2 semis lead

CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz powered San Miguel past Barangay Ginebra, 103-92, to take a pivotal 3-2 lead in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Perez had 31 points, while Cruz had 27 points to put the Beermen a win away from the finals.

San Miguel bucked a slow start after trailing 20-12 in the first quarter before recovering in the second period to inch closer, 49-44. It was a neck-and-neck affair from then as San Miguel led, 90-88, with less than four minutes remaining before a triple from CJ Perez and a Don Trollano layup gave the Beermen enough breathing room.

Japeth Aguilar then cut Barangay Ginebra's deficit, but consecutive baskets from Fajardo and Perez further widened the gap with just around a minute remaining. Aguilar's free throws from a Fajardo foul put Ginebra at 92 but Perez and Trollano further buried Barangay Ginebra.

"Usually ang nananalo ng Game 5s, malaki ang chance to get into the finals, but still there's still a lot of work because alam naman natin na ang kalaban natin ay 'Never Say Die' so we're expecting na in the next game, there will be a lot of energy na ia-apply nila," San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said.

Aside from Perez and Cruz, Fajardo was effective from both ends with 14 points, 12 boards, six assists, three blocks, and a steal, while Trollano added 11 points.

Mav Ahanmisi, meanwhile, led Barangay Ginebra with 19 points, while Scottie Thompson was a rebound away from a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Game 6 of the semis will be played on Sunday.

Scores:

San Miguel 103 – Perez 31, Cruz 27, Fajardo 14, Trollano 11, Tiongson 6, Teng 4, Tautuaa 3, Lassiter 3, Brondial 2, Rosales 2, Ross 0.

Barangay Ginebra 92 – Ahanmisi 19, Thompson 14, Malonzo 13, J.Aguilar 12, Rosario 11, Holt 10, David 7, Abarrientos 6, R.Aguilar 0, Gray 0.

Quarters: 12-20, 49-44, 74-71, 103-92.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News