IN the few times that Chris Ross shot free throws this conference, it usually goes in.
On Wednesday, not only did Ross miss two from the line, he shot an airball in one of them at the start of their semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra.
Ross explains airball
Ross said he began to feel pain around his right arm after he was fouled by Maverick Ahanmisi with 11.1 seconds remaining in Game One, following a crucial defensive rebound for the Beermen.
“I got the rebound and I felt like a cramp, I don’t know if it’s a cramp or a strain in my tricep,” said Ross, who prior to Game One shot 10-of-13 from the foul line.
With the Beermen still trying to hold on to a 91-90 lead, Ross shot the airball in the first attempt, and came up short on the second. But fortunately for San Miguel, June Mar Fajardo gathered the offensive rebound, and eventually made one free throw that settled the final score.
Ross said he shot the ball with all his might during that trip.
“(It) just wouldn’t go away. I thought I can just shake it off and that first shot, I shot it as hard as I could. It hit the net. I literally shot it as hard as I could,” said Ross, who only remembers shooting an airball at the foul line during high school.
Ross will play in Game 2
Ross said he plans to have that tricep checked on Thursday ahead of Game Two where the Beermen will look to stay unbeaten in the best-of-five series.
“Hopefully, it goes away,” said Ross.
But regardless of the result, Ross assured he plans to play in Game Two.
“I’m a warrior. I’ve played through all injuries. If it is not broken or fully torn, I’m going to play anyway.”
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