![Enoch Valdez vs CJ Perez PBA](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/04/IMG_1312_PBA-Philippine-Cup-San-Miguel-NLEX_Enoch-Valdez-scaled.jpg)
NLEX's Enoch Valdez tries to protect San Miguel's CJ Perez during the PBA Philippine Cup – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Before officially joining the PBA's NLEX last year, one of the things Enoch Valdez was most looking forward to was playing against his idol and fellow Lyceum product CJ Perez of San Miguel Beer. Ta.
Valdez finally got his chance Sunday when the Road Warriors took on the Biermen, who are on a winning streak. PBA Philippine Cup.
And while NLEX suffered a blowout loss to San Miguel, 120-103, Valdez was able to hold up on the floor.
“Before, I was so motivated and excited. People saw how happy I was playing inside and against my Kuya. To have this moment playing with my idol It’s like a blessing to be able to do this,” Valdez said in Filipino.
Read: PBA: San Miguel earns top seed, defeats NLEX
![Enoch Valdez PBA NLEX](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/04/IMG_1586_PBA-Philippine-Cup-San-Miguel-NLEX_Enoch-Valdez-scaled.jpg)
![Enoch Valdez PBA NLEX](https://sports.inquirer.net/files/2024/04/IMG_1586_PBA-Philippine-Cup-San-Miguel-NLEX_Enoch-Valdez-scaled.jpg)
NLEX Rookie Enoch Valdez. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
„For me, I wanted to prove that I belong in this league. After the game, he said to me, 'I had a good game.' As you can see, he elbowed me in the face at one point. We were both really physical. ”
Motivated by the draw after a dream matchup with Perez, Valdez scored a conference-high 18 points on top of eight rebounds.
Meanwhile, Perez led San Miguel with 30 points, nine rebounds and several steals, and the Beermen improved to 9-0.
„I'm going to continue to fight in every game, especially when I play against Kuya CJ (again). I would have liked to have kept him all the way earlier, but he still had 30 because of the free throws.“Next By the conference or if we play them again this season, I'm going to protect him more.“