Gilas Pilipinas guard CJ Perez during the Nationals’ sendoff game against the Macau Black Bears ahead of the Fiba Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas looked like a deer in headlights to start its exhibition game against the Macau Black Bears Friday night.

Down big entering the third quarter, that’s when CJ Perez came in and changed the complexion of the game.

READ: Gilas rallies to victory in sendoff game ahead of Fiba Asia Cup

CJ Perez, who stepped up as Gilas Pilipinas’ spark plug in the second half talks about the squad’s gritty win over Macau. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/8L3XkFSrcq

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 28, 2025

“Coach Tim (Cone) just always tells us to put our defense first,” said Perez, who was coming off another PBA championship run with San Miguel Beer.

“I really put that in my mind, play defense, because even if I don’t score, the offense will follow.”

Perez, who was on the bench the entire first half, provided a much-needed spark off the bench for Gilas in the third quarter.

READ: Still groping for form, Justin Brownlee leads Gilas’ comeback win

Perez was solid on both ends of the floor, doing a bit of everything with seven points, two rebounds, one assist, a steal and a couple of blocks in just 11 minutes.

“I’m always excited when it comes to Gilas. It’s an honor to play today and it will be an honor still in the coming days.”

Gilas flies to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup, which tips off August 5.