CJ Perez and San Miguel Beermen have fun their torrid comeback to beat Magnolia Hotshots in 6 video games within the PBA Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web

MANILA, philippines–CJ Perez used a troublesome lashing he bought from coach Jorge Gallent and delivered a efficiency to recollect and one other championship for the PBA’s final authentic member.

Perez recovered from an uncommon first half stoop and carried the San Miguel Beermen to a shocking late comeback to defeat the Magnolia Hotshots, 104-102, and seize the PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown Wednesday at Sensible Araneta Coliseum.

The Greatest Participant of the Convention completed with 28 factors, none greater than two essential performs that cemented San Miguel’s record-extending twenty ninth title by way of a 4-2 sequence victory.

He was named Finals Most Beneficial Participant by the PBA Press Corps after scoring simply 4 within the first two quarters. At one level, Perez bought some unkind phrases from coach Jorge Gallent as he went again to the bench.

CJ Perez accepts the Finals MVP award. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/PXT0D8UrU8

— INQUIRER Sports activities (@INQUIRERSports) February 14, 2024

However Perez and Gallent, a first-time winner as head of San Miguel Company’s flagship franchise, shared an embrace upon seeing one another amid confetti flying across the Massive Dome.

“Parang father and son argument,” Perez instructed Inquirer Sports activities when requested of the change with Gallent. “Pero alam ko pag nag-gaganun si Coach Jorge, ginaganahan ako.”

Perez posted sequence averages of 18.0 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and three.2 steals in the course of the six video games.

San Miguel’s Bennie Import within the PBA Finals Sport 6 clincher. –MARLO CUETO/INQURIER.web

San Miguel bought the job accomplished regardless of trailing by double figures throughout some parts of the second half, with Perez main the comeback.

It was not a Perez basket that put the Beermen on high for good, however his kickoff go for Chris Ross, who buried a nook three with 1:27 remaining that made it 100-99.

Magnolia couldn’t reply on the following play and Perez then put the coup de grace with a three-pointer from the left facet, 48 seconds to go, and San Miguel was forward 103-99.

June Mar Fajardo and Jericho Cruz, additionally worthy Finals MVP candidates, additionally got here by means of as Gallent lastly bought his championship in his second convention since succeeding present guide Leo Austria.

“It feels nice,” Gallent stated. “Everyone labored arduous for this championship, particularly on this sport. They didn’t hand over they usually wish to win it now. They confirmed how composed they’re, even when they’re down huge.”

Magnolia fell wanting extending the sequence to a rubber match, and settled for one more runner-up trophy, the fourth underneath coach Chito Victolero.
A primary title remained elusive for the Hotshots, who final received within the 2018 Governors’ Cup.