Chris Ross and the San Miguel Beermen survived Ginebra in seven games in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals, earning a spot in the Finals against TNT Tropang 5G.
Days after LA Tenorio churned out a vintage performance for Ginebra, it was another veteran’s turn to deliver in the PBA Season 49 philippine Cup semifinals.
Only this time, he was donning San Miguel jersey.
Inspired by Tenorio’s Game 6 heroics, Chris Ross put in the work on both ends to tow San Miguel to a pulsating 100-93 Game 7 win that had all the trappings of a classic at the historic Big Dome on Wednesday, July 9.
The 40-year-old playmaker wound up with 19 points, including seven in the final four minutes. Ross also three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals as the Beermen booked a another trip to the Philippine Cup Finals.
“I’m a competitor. Not playing in the last game, it hurt my feelings. And then seeing LA do what he did, it was super inspiring to me,” said Ross, referring to Game 6 where Tenorio unloaded 11 points in the fourth quarter, including the eventual game-winning three-pointer.
That’s why on the eve of the highly-anticipated rubber match, the playing-assistant coach bared that he had a talk with coach Leo Austria about getting an opportunity to make a difference in Game 7.
“I told coach I’m a winner. I just wanna win by any means. I don’t care how it gets done. I step up to the plate. I told him no one competes harder than me, no one plays harder than me,” Ross said.
True enough Ross delivered as he was given the opportunity.
“I was just thankful I was given the opportunity to showcase what I can because I’ve done it plenty of times,” the 10-time champion said.
“All I was thinking about since Sunday night is getting my chance. Once I get my chance I’m gonna take full advantage.”
But while Ross stole the spotlight, June Mar Fajardo’s contributions despite playing with practically one leg also made a world of difference for the Beermen.
Supposed to be on minutes restriction, the eight-time MVP saw action for over 42 minutes to come up with a monstrous 21 points and 19 rebounds, which he also spiked with three assists, a steal, and two emphatic blocks on Japeth Aguilar.
CJay Perez churned out 15 points and four rebounds, while Mo Tautuaa had 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Don Trollano added 10 points as the Beermen brace for another Finals thriller against TNT beginning on Sunday, July 13.
Jamie Malonzo tried to will Ginebra back from the dead as the Gin Kings lost their early fourth-quarter lead, nailing a four-pointer with a minute and 28 seconds left to play, 93-98.
But the Gin Kings couldn’t whip up some magic this time around as Ross sealed the match with a pair of free throws.
Malonzo finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists, Scottie Thompson put up 16 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and a steal, and RJ Abarrientos added 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Troy Rosario had 15 points, six rebounds, and three dimes for Ginebra.
San Miguel vs Ginebra scores:
SAN MIGUEL100 – Fajardo 21, Ross 19, Perez 15, Tautuaa 14, Trollano 10, Tiongson 6, Brondial 6, Lassiter 5, Cruz 4
GINEBRA 93 – Malonzo 22, Thompson 16, Abarrientos 16, Rosario 15, Holt 12, J.Aguilar 12, David 0, Ahanmisi 0, Tenorio 0
Quarterscores: 17-23, 45-44, 66-73, 100-93