Perez, Cruz power Beermen to pivotal Game 5 win over Gin Kings

CJ Perez scored 12 of his game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter, steering San Miguel to a crucial 103-92 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

This win gives the Beermen a commanding 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and puts them one win away from the finals.

Jericho Cruz also had a stellar performance with 27 points and 4 steals off the bench, marking his best scoring output of the season.

Cruz made 9 of his 12 field goals for 75% shooting, expressing confidence in his shots even if they are given by Ginebra.

After Cruz took over in the third quarter, Perez sealed the win by scoring 7 points in a 13-4 run that broke the game open in the final minutes.

San Miguel completed their comeback from a double-digit deficit to win back-to-back games for the first time in this playoffs.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria acknowledged the importance of the win but stressed that the series is far from over due to Barangay Ginebra's 'Never Say Die' spirit.