The Beermen fended off the Elasto Painters in their quarterfinal tiff on Friday.
As the San Miguel Beermen go deeper in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, Jericho Cruz said it’s crucial for the team to stay healthy.
Though depleted for the better part of the conference, the Beermen managed to claim the no. 2 spot and then punch their semifinals berth after a thrilling 127-122 win over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Friday.
“We just have to stay healthy,” said Cruz after the match at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
“Syempre, alagaan namin sarili namin kasi 'pag playoffs, every other day ‘yung game. Importante health namin coming into (the) semis," he added.
Cruz was feeling all sorts of okay, making 70% of his field goals. He was five-of-five from two-point range and four-of-four from the free throw line.
Indeed, the Beermen need all the bodies they can get as they are now set to face defending champion Brgy. Ginebra in the semifinals.
With June Mar Fajardo back from a hand injury, only Simon Enciso, Rodney Brondial, and Vic Manuel are not 100%.
But when it comes to these important games, Cruz and the rest of the team know it is imperative to play through the pain, knowing much is on the line.
“We’re here to do our job. Whether masaktan kami, ma-injure kami, syempre work namin ‘to, so just suck it up and go through with the pain,” he said.
San Miguel last lifted the Commissioner's Cup trophy in 2019, after beating the TNT Tropang Giga in six games.