Unleashing the Predator

You never take CJ Perez for granted. Whether it’s early or late in the game, the Predator is a threat from anywhere. In Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beer and TNT at the MOA Arena last Sunday, Perez was held to three points on 1-of-7 from the field and 2-of-2 free throws up to the third quarter. He even had a verbal tussle with Coach Leo Austria after getting yanked off the floor in the first half.

But Perez later realized playing time isn’t his call and apologized to Austria. He vented his frustration on the court and Austria couldn’t be happier. SMB was down by five entering the fourth quarter. Then, Perez went to work. He scored six straight points to wrest the lead from TNT. After TNT tied it, 79-all, with 7:07 left, Perez hit again to trigger a 7-0 surge capped by another Predator basket.

Austria gambled on a lineup without a natural point guard and June Mar Fajardo the only big on the floor in the final minute. TNT dropped a 10-0 bomb to build a three-point advantage, time down to 50 seconds. After a timeout, Austria called for Perez to get the ball. Henry Galinato switched on the ballscreen and Perez took a cold-blooded four to bring SMB back on top, 90-89 with 41.8 seconds left. Rey Nambatac missed a three and on SMB’s next possession, Perez knocked down a crippling three. Jordan Heading clanged a four and Marcio Lassiter ended it with two free throws. Perez erupted for 17 of his 20 points in the final frame. While Austria experimented with different combinations, in the end, he put his bet on Perez. The Predator didn’t disappoint.

“Game 3 could’ve gone either way,” said SMB assistant coach Peter Martin. “Heading’s last shot just fell short.” SMB went 26-of-36 from the line compared to TNT’s 10-of-18 and the margin of difference was significant. SMB was more aggressive, taking 25.9 percent of its shots from deep compared to TNT’s 44 percent. Rebounding has been a key stat in the series and it will remain a vital factor on the last lap of the Road to Golden Glory. Game 4 is set at the MOA Arena tonight with TNT expected to go all out to avert a 1-3 hole and knot the count to ensure a Game 6.