No trilogy is taking place in the PBA Season 49, as San Miguel tore up the script by ousting Barangay Ginebra, 100-93, to advance to the Philippine Cup Finals, Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Taking a cue from the Kings’ playbook the last time out, the Beermen leaned on Chris Ross and received a vintage outing as the decorated playmaker hit the most crucial of shots in crunch time to take Game 7 of the semis.
“Seeing LA doing what he did, it was super inspiring to me. I had a chat with LA before the game, and told him how I felt about him — just his journey and everything that led to him doing what he did, it really inspired me,” he said.
The 40-year-old fired 19 points off the bench, including a booming trifecta and a breakaway layup off a steal. He led a critical run that widened a narrow four-point lead to a 98-89 advantage with only 2:12 remaining in the match.
(C) PBA Images
Slowly, the Kings faded, and Ross went on to ice the game with a perfect trip to the free throw line with about 34 seconds left to play as the traditional contenders ensured that their redemption story continues this conference.
“I was just thankful that I was given the opportunity to showcase what I can do,” said Ross, who also had three rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.
After missing the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, San Miguel has now reached the Big Dance for the first time since last season’s All-Filipino wars. Back then, it eventually bowed to Chris Newsome and Meralco in six games.
Soon, the Beermen will be fighting another MVP Group-owned franchise in TNT.
The best-of-7 title series begins this Sunday at the Big Dome, still, with San Miguel hoping to be the roadblock for the Tropang 5G’s Grand Slam hopes.
“Well, it’s a long shot,” said head coach Leo Austria of foiling their rivals’ bid. “There are a lot of things to do, especially if you’re up against Talk ‘N’ Text.”
June Mar Fajardo led San Miguel with 21 points and 19 rebounds, bravely leading by example yet again. He managed to return to the game even after experiencing tightness in his hamstring late in the second chapter.
CJ Perez had 15 points, although he was hardly used in the fourth as Ross and the others were playing extremely well. Mo Tautua’a punched in 14 points and five rebounds while Don Trollano chipped in 10 markers.
Trollano was key in the turnaround, scoring five straight. Then Jericho Cruz came through with a layup off a steal as the Adamson boys presided over a 7-0 run to give themselves the lead for good, 81-77, with 7:56 to go.
(C) PBA Images
Then came the finishing rally headed by Ross and Fajardo, where the two ‘Death Five’ remnants did it on both ends of the floor, which ultimately enabled the crew to complete the fightback after trailing by as many as 11 points.
“It’s very clear they never gave up, especially in the fourth. They all realized that they needed to step up, and they did step up,” praised Austria.
Spoiled by Ginebra’s loss, meanwhile, was Jamie Malonzo’s 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field in easily his best game of the series.
Scottie Thompson made 16 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. Rookie RJ Abarrientos had 16 as well, alongside five boards and five dimes.
Troy Rosario had 15 points, while Japeth Aguilar added 12 apiece.
The Scores:
San Miguel 100 – Fajardo 21, Ross 19, Perez 15, Tautuaa 14, Trollano 10, Tiongson 6, Brondial 6, Lassiter 5, Cruz 4.
Ginebra 93 – Malonzo 22, Thompson 16, Abarrientos 16, Rosario 15, Holt 12, J.Aguilar 12, David 0, Ahanmisi 0, Tenorio 0.
Quarterscores: 17-23, 45-44, 66-73, 100-93.
