CJ Perez delivered a stunning performance, scoring 30 perfect points in the first quarter to lead the San Miguel Beermen to a 101-88 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on January 16, 2026.
At the Araneta Coliseum, CJ Perez starred with a career-high 41 points, including 30 in the first quarter on perfect 12-of-12 shooting. This performance netted Perez multiple PBA records, including the most points scored by any player in an opening quarter, the most points in a playoff quarter, and the most field goals made in a quarter without a miss, according to league statistician Fidel Mangonon.
Perez tied Bong Alvarez for the second-most points in a quarter by a local player at 30, behind only Allan Caidic's record of 39. "It was the same feeling. It felt like I was not going to miss. I’m so happy to have this kind of game for San Miguel," Perez said.
He opened with three layups, followed by 3-of-3 from three-point range, including a four-pointer over RJ Abarrientos, and capped it with a double-pump layup over Norbert Torres. Perez outscored the entire Ginebra team in that quarter, building a 39-15 lead for San Miguel.
Foul trouble sidelined Perez for much of the third quarter, but coach Leo Austria noted, "If he did not get into foul trouble, I would have played him the entire game. That is how I trust my players."
June Mar Fajardo was limited to 4 points but grabbed 18 rebounds and 3 assists. Don Trollano added 23 points and 8 rebounds. For Ginebra, Scottie Thompson tallied 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.
San Miguel now faces TNT in the finals, starting January 21 at Ynares Center in Antipolo. "We were able to breathe a little, but it will be another stressful series for sure," Perez said.
