San Miguel Beermen's CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz. PBA Images
MANILA — San Miguel Beermen stars CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz both did their part to lead their team to a 158-117 victory over the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Wednesday.
The duo combined for 50 points, including three four-pointers from Perez and 8-of-9 field goals from Cruz.
But two weeks from now, Perez and Cruz will be opponents when Gilas Pilipinas takes on Guam in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
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"Kinokontrata ko nang huwag na siya maglaro para mas madali. Hindi. Joke lang," Perez said in jest during the postgame press conference.
The San Miguel and Gilas guard recognizes that Cruz has a bigger role whenever he suits up for the Guam national team on the court.
"Siyempre si Jericho, iba yung role na doon parang siya yung tinitingnan din ng mga player doon. Proud ako doon kasi maiba yung role na dito and nakakapag-adjust siya kaagad sa Guam," Perez said.
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"So ayun yung match up naman doon, siyempre team effort. Alam naman natin si Coach Tim kung paano mag-prepare sa defense," he added.
San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said Cruz is flying to Guam possibly by next week to train with the national team for the FIBA window.
Despite having a huge game against Titan, Perez said he's still regaining full health for his upcoming tour of duty with Gilas.
"I think actually hindi pa namin siya sobrang 100 percent yung injury pero malapit na. And yun na pagbabalik sa Gilas, I'm just gonna do my best na makatulong sa team. Alam ko naman kung anong role ko doon so tutulong lang ako," Perez said.
Last August, Perez suffered an ankle injury during their game against Saudi Arabia in the FIBA Asia Cup.
Perez remains hopeful Gilas will be back in full force for the upcoming FIBA window.
"Siyempre, sabi ko nga, it's basketball di natin alam ko anong mangyayari. And hopefully maganda yung run namin sa Guam," he shared.
Gilas will face Guam on the road on November 28 and here at home on December 1.