CHRIS Ross believes San Miguel better find a way to protect its lead against Barangay Ginebra or risk losing this PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series.
For the third straight game, the defending champions again started hot and even led by as many as 16 points in the opening quarter behind the hot shooting of Ross from three-point range.
READ Scottie triple-double sparks Ginebra's series-tying win over SMB
But it only took the Kings one quarter to wipe away the deficit and take control of Game 4 at halftime leading, 56-55.
Ross said the Beermen need to always stay focused and can’t afford to let the Kings stage a comeback and feed off their fans.
“We have to find a way to keep our leads. We‘ve had the lead in every game. We just got to find a way to have it sustained,” said the 40-year-old playing assistant coach.
Ross had 14 of his 20 points in that sizzling opening period, making 4-of-5 shots from three-point range. He ended up 7-of-19 from the field, while adding three rebounds, and two assists.
Despite his game, Ross was disappointed that was still not good enough to keep Ginebra from tying the best-of-seven series tied at 2-2.
“I don’t base my game on points or a shot. I just base my game on helping the team win. And I didn’t do enough to help it (San Miguel) win, so I got to do more,” said Ross.
The series is now down to a best-of-three, with Game 5 set on Wednesday back at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ross stressed he hasn’t lost faith in the Beermen and know what they have to do to regain the series lead and march back to the finals.
“I’m always upbeat about our team. It’s got to get back to the drawing boards, and figure out what we need to do to keep our lead. I’m out to play on Wednesday and we’ll be fine,” said the outspoken Fil-Am guard.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
