One can tell how long a team has spent so much time together when they play on the court. And on Friday night and with the game on the line for the San Miguel Beermen, the Chris Ross-Marcio Lassiter connection worked splendidly.
The long-time teammates conspired in the final 1.8 seconds of their bout with Kia Picanto, as Ross bounced an inbound pass that led to Lassiter’s game-winner near the basket and saved them from humiliation with a 108-106 victory.
“Nah, we don’t practice that. It’s just more [on reading]. Good thing we have chemistry,” said Lassiter. “You know… The game… it’s never gonna be perfect. So I’m just glad that he was able to make that pass and I was able to convert it.
“[It’s also] Just being in the moment and just being ready if the ball comes to me, just being ready to shoot and that’s what happened.”
Even San Miguel head coach Leo Austria admitted that he had little input in drawing up that play.
“That play is a creation between Marcio and Chris.
“That’s the option they got. Yung basketball sense nila ang nangyari,” he said.
Lassiter though gave credit to the Picanto, who made a furious rally in the payoff period — just as when everybody ar the SMART Araneta Coliseum had thought that the game has already been over when the Beermen led by 26 in the third.
Kia went on a 24-3 rally from an 82-100 deficit to take the lead, 106-103, with 1:03 left, only to have their hearts shattered inside the final 47.5 seconds when Lassiter nailed a game-tying trey and, of course, the game-winner.
“Kia made some big shots in the end,” said Lassiter, who finished with 22 points on 17 shots with four rebounds and three assists. “They came out making their shots. It’s what propelled them to come back and actually lead.
“Kia hit some great shots, they made some big, timely threes that kind of chipped away.”
The 30-year-old also had kind words for his former teammates Rashawn McCarthy and Ronald Tubid, which both played inspired basketball. McCarthy had 10 points, seven boards, and six dimes, while Tubid made seven and six.
“It’s always good to always see Rashawn and Ronald going out there.
“I know they can play. It’s not a surprise that they’re playing well. I just feel like, I’m glad we ended up winning ’cause I don’t want to hear it from them,” Lassiter quipped.
