JERICHO Cruz stood witness to incredible feats done by two players in their 40s during the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup semifinals.
The San Miguel bruiser was on the wrong end of one when he was the defender of LA Tenorio’s game-winning three-pointer for Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 that sent the semifinal playoff to a decider.
READ Jericho's words for Tenorio before Game 6 winner prove prophetic
Fortunately for Cruz, any hangover from Tenorio's clutch trey was wiped out when Chris Ross turned the hands of time with a memorable Game 7 effort that sent the Beermen to the season-ending finals against TNT.
The San Miguel swingman admitted he had a sleepless night after Tenorio, who turned 41 just last Wednesday, sank a three right in his face that completed Ginebra's comeback from a 16-point deficit.
“Nung una, before nag-inbound, sabi ko, ‘Kuya, kaya pa pala’ kasi pagpasok niya, nag-immediate impact agad siya eh,” said Cruz, referring to Tenorio’s 11-point, two-rebound, two-assist outing in Game 6.
“Pero nung na-shoot niya ‘yun, na-realize ko, parang grabe, parang hindi ako pinatulog ng one day. As in, overnight, hindi ako nakatulog talaga. Sabi ko, gusto kong bumawi,” he added.
Cruz was able to atone, scoring all of his four points in the final quarter when SMB outscored Ginebra, 34-20. The former Adamson player also dished out seven assists in the Beermen’s 100-93 closeout win over the Gin Kings in Game 7.
But the night belonged to Ross as the 40-year-old had 19 points, seven assists, and four steals to help the Beermen finished off the Gin Kings.
Legend
“Vintage. Legend Chris Ross,” said Cruz, when asked to describe Ross’ performance. “Chris Ross ‘yun, ang masasabi ko sa kanya, siya ‘yung bumuhay ng team namin ngayon.”
“Nag-simula sa defense niya. Sumunod na lang kami sa kanya,” said Cruz.
Up next for San Miguel and Cruz is TNT, which stands four wins away from the first PBA grand slam in over a decade. The Beermen are also on a mission to regain the Philippine Cup title they lost to Meralco in last year's finals.
“Para sa amin, masakit sa amin ‘yun,” said Cruz, on the defeat to Meralco. “Ilang years na nag-champion ang San Miguel, bagong kalaban naman, MVP group din, pag-iigihan namin. Pagbubutihan namin.
"Back to the drawing board, scouting report, more videos about sa kanila, learning kami sa gagawin nila so we can apply it to the game. Ready at excited kami. Pahinga lang ng konti.”
For now, Cruz will celebrate. And thanks to Ross, Cruz gets to sleep better now as he gets another chance at a PBA crown.
“Nanalo kami so nabura na ‘yun (Tenorio shot),” said Cruz.
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