JERICHO Cruz had one of the best games of his career on Friday in San Miguel’s Game 5 win over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals.
READ: SMB sends Ginebra to the brink of elimination with Game 5 win
Cruz had 27 points in efficient 9-of-12 shooting from the field to help lead the Beermen to a 103-92 win over the Gin Kings that moved them one win away from a finals appearance.
The output was his season-high and his third career-best in scoring behind the 30 he hit twice – one of which in Game 5 of the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup finals against Magnolia last February 11, 2024
Cruz’s scoring has picked up in the playoffs since averaging 8.8 points during the elimination round. He is now up to 14.6 points a game during the semifinals.
Jeri-shoot your shot
Cruz said he found the perfect time to exploit Ginebra’s defense, as it put San Miguel on the cusp of advancing to the finals.
“Unang-una, kinapalan ko na mukha ko,” said Cruz in jest about his explosive scoring performance. “Lahat ng depensa, naka-focus din kay June Mar [Fajardo]. Palaging na-open ako. I have to take my shots. Kung papasok ‘yun, siyempre iiwan ako ni coach [Leo Austria] sa laro.
“Araw-araw kami nagpa-practice, nagsu-shooting, so kumpiyansa ako sa mga tira na binibigay ng Ginebra.”
The 34-year-old Cruz was not alone as Cjay Perez also made baskets in bunches with 31 points for the Beermen, who can close out the series in Game 6 on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Cruz led SMB's bench mob in outscoring their Gin Kings counterparts, 47-32.
“’Yung energy niya, talagang naging infectious sa mga teammate niya,” said Austria. “Even Jeron Teng, nagpakita siya ng energy. Nahawa lahat. That’s one thing na binibigyan namin ng pansin dahil it’s energy and effort ang kailangan namin dito. Xs and Os, alam na nila lahat. It’s a matter of how to execute offensively and defensively.”
Cruz said it is only part of his role to support San Miguel’s top-tier players such as Perez and eight-time MVP Fajardo.
“Talagang next man up para sa team namin. ‘Yung first five, kapag hindi sila nagpe-perform well, kaming second group, we need to step up. Ganun kami sa team," he said.
"It’s one of those nights na binigay sa amin na maganda ‘yung laro ko ngayon. Shoutout din sa coaching staff namin, every day, nandiyan sila na nagmo-motivate sa amin.”
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