By REYNALD MAGALLON
It’s Chris Ross’ time to display the veteran poise for his team
The veteran playmaker took charge on both ends of the floor as San Miguel outlasted Barangay Ginebra, 100-93, in a thrilling Game 7 duel in their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Wednesday July 9.
After LA Tenorio made the heroics for the Kings in Game 6, it was the 40-year-old guard’s turn to shine, pouring 10 of his 19 points in the final frame while also pulling off the big defensive stops to steer the Beermen to a third straight all-Filipino conference Finals.
San Miguel arranged a best-of-seven Finals dance against the Grand Slam-seeking TNT – a finals matchup reminiscent of the all-Filipino finale two seasons ago.
He added seven assists and four steals while June Mar Fajardo topscored SMB with 21 points – nine of which he also posted during the searing fourth quarter rally – to go with 19 rebounds and two blocks.
The Beermen trailed by as many as 11 in the third, 62-73 but since then unloaded a back-breaking 19-4 run to take the advantage 81-77 with seven minutes left in the game.
The two squads traded baskets from there before Ross completed consecutive defensive stops to fuel a 7-2 spurt that put SMB up ahead, 98-89 with three minutes remaining.
CJ Perez chipped in 15 points while Mo Tautuaa added 14.
Jamie Malonzo paced Ginebra with 22 while RJ Abarrientos and Scottie Thompson added 16 apiece – all of which proved to be not enough as the Kings failed to make it a three straight Finals against Ginebra.
