Perez sparks Lyceum's sizzling start, earns NCAA Player of the Week nod

MANILA, Philippines -- Lyceum is on another searing start to the NCAA men’s basketball Tournament and much of it is because of CJ Perez.

Perez fired a career-high 31 points to anchor the Pirates’ come-from-behind 82-65 win over Arellano U last Tuesday, wherein they overcame an early 16-point deficit.

The reigning MVP then flirted with a triple-double, tallying 19 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists three days later in a 94-81 victory at the expense of Mapua.  

In two games this week, the versatile forward put up averages of 25 points, 7.5 boards, seven dimes and four steals in 33 minutes of action.

With his all-around effort that allowed LPU to sail to a five-game winning start, Perez earned the Chooks-to Go NCAA Press Corps Player of the Week award for July 22 to 28.

The ever-humble Perez, though, deflected credit to Pirates mentor Topex Robinson as well as his teammates.

“Syempre na-inspire ako sa pagbibigay ng kumpyansa sa’min ni coach. Hindi ko rin magagawa ‘yun kung ‘di dahil sa mga teammates ko. ‘Yung collective effort talaga ang key doon kaya ako nakakagawa ng ganoon,” said Perez.

“Syempre ‘di ko naman nagagawa ‘yung ganon (good performance) kung wala ang trust ni coach at ng mga teammates ko. ‘Yung effort na ibibigay ko this season, all out talaga,” he added.

Robinson has nothing but praise for leader of his crew especially after Perez led Lyceum's comeback against the Chiefs.

“CJ is really special… You're gonna love the guy, you're gonna trust him,” said Robinson.

Still, Perez vowed to work on his game and give his all in his final NCAA season.

“Sa tingin ko, (kailangan kong ayusin) ‘yung pag-alaga sa bola ng konti kasi ‘yun nga, ‘yung turnovers,” said Perez, who turned the ball over six times in their last two wins.

Perez bested Prince Eze of host Perpetual, Robert Bolick of San Beda, Levi Dela Cruz of Arellano and fellow Pirate Mike Nzeusseu for the weekly citation given by print and online writers covering the first and oldest collegiate league.