ANTIPOLO – San Miguel's CJ Perez added another achievement to his already impressive resume, joining the PBA's 5,000 point club during the Beermen's 98-94 win over NLEX at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Sunday.
Before the game, Perez only needed 12 points to officially enter the league's elite club.
The four-time champion had to work for the achievement, struggling to score against the Road Warriors in their PBA Commissioner's Cup showdown.
With nine seconds left in the game, Perez achieved the feat with the dagger layup that sealed the victory for the Beermen.
Perez finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
READ: Boatwright drops 41 points in return as San Miguel escapes NLEX
"Pang-ilang taon ko na ba ngayon, seven? I'm honored and grateful na nakarating ako dito and we know naman since rookie year ko na I'm a scorer so I'm happy," he told reporters after the game.
"Actually struggle talaga today parang medyo may gigil kasi yun nga, kailangan namin manalo. Pero hindi naman ako na-pressure sa 5k [points]. Talagang just play our game," Perez added.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, Perez becomes the 102nd player overall with at least 5,000 career points and the 14th player to achieve the feat in a San Miguel uniform.
The 32-year-old is likewise the 97th local player and 11th active player to enter the 5,000-point club.
More than the achievement, Perez is glad to help San Miguel get the win given their position in the team standings.
"Sobrang importante nito kasi kung natalo kami, mas lulubog kami. Mas mahihirapan kami. We're lucky and we're grateful na nanalo kami and we have Bennie [Boatwright]," he said.
Perez and San Miguel will return to action on Wednesday against the Blackwater Bossing at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.