Jericho Cruz was the spark that San Miguel needed in its quest for its 11th Philippine Cup title and 30th overall in the PBA.
After receiving his first Finals Most Valuable Player plum, Jericho Cruz expressed his gratitude to the members of San Miguel before turning to their fans in attendance at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Friday night, July 26.
“Inuman na! Ang sarap ng San Miguel Beer!” said Cruz, who finished with 13 13 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal in the Beermen's championship-clinching 107-96 triumph over TNT in Game 6.
That speech capped his stellar showing in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, which saw him finish with 20 points twice to earn the nod for the top individual honor in the best-of-seven series.
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When the dust has settled, Cruz, in a separate interview, offered a shoutout to Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa.
At the center of Lastimosa’s rant after TNT's Game 4 loss, the newly minted champion said he had no ill feelings toward the official.
Lastimosa called him out as arrogant for his antics in that match where Cruz dropped 15 points in a telling 41-point fourth period.
Jericho Cruz stars for San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“Shoutout din kay coach Jolas. Alam ninyo namang mahal ko ‘yan,” Cruz said.
“At the end of the day, it’s just basketball. Move on na at saka prepare for the next conference. I-e-enjoy muna namin ang moment na 'to.”
For now, Cruz will bask in the glory of a fourth PBA championship while chugging some ice-cold San Miguel Beer.
“Tapos na so puwede nang magpahinga ngayon, 'di ba? So pag-uwi ko ng bahay, iinom na lang nang kaunti tapos matutulog na,” he said.