Jericho Cruz defended his actions late in San Miguel’s eventual victory over TNT in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday night, saying that he was merely celebrating–contrary to what the opposition perceived.
“Hindi naman showboating ‘yun,” he told reporters before leaving the Mall of Asia Arena, on the heels of their 105-91 victory to take the 3-1 series lead.
Tropang 5G manager Jojo Lastimosa alleged that Cruz had been showboating as he pulled off a skipping dribble while bringing the ball down in the final seconds, at a time when the game was all but settled as the Beermen were ahead, 103-89.
The cage legend aired his frustrations when he spoke to reporters after emerging from the dugout, clearly seething over his former NLEX player.
“He was showboating eh,” he rued.
“Magkasama kami sa NLEX niyan eh, with Coach Yeng. And wala, dinadaan niya na lang sa yabang lahat eh.”
Cruz was informed about Lastimosa’s sentiments and was caught by surprise, as he had zero idea that he had given that impression.
“Wala naman akong problema kay Coach Jolas. Kilala ko naman ‘yan, kilala naman niya ako eh. Palagi kaming magkasama dati niyan sa NLEX,” he said.
“Kaya nagulat ako noong sinabi mo sa akin na ako ‘yun. Wala talaga akong alam, promise,” the perplexed 34-year-old winger continued.
(C) PBA Images
However, Cruz clarified that he had no ill intentions; instead, he leapt for joy as they took the win and moved closer to reclaiming the title.
The only thing he could admit was getting back at Almond Vosotros, thus the taunt he pulled off — a fake front dribble directed toward the face a la streetball that prompted the latter to foul him with 9.4 seconds left.
“Wala naman akong ginagawang masama eh, tumatalo-talon lang naman ako. Tinira ako ni Vosotros, edi ginanon ko rin siya,” said Cruz.
“Wala naman akong ginagawang masama. Tsaka patapos na ‘yung laro. Siyempre tumatalon ako, masaya ako, panalo kami eh,” he added.
But what happens on the court should stay there, Cruz said, downplaying the emotions that rose in Game 3.
“At the end of the day, it’s just basketball,” the 11-year pro said. “After basketball, we go home, and we’re still friends. Bukas, basketball ulit. ‘Yun lang naman ang buhay namin eh, buhay basketball player.
“Pag-uwi namin, kasama yung family namin, enjoy na, wala munang basketball. Pero ‘pag sa court, trabaho talaga namin yun kaya I give my 110-percent every time I step on the floor, kahit anong team ako,” Cruz added.
#WATCH: “TUMATALON AKO KASI PANALO KAMI”
Jericho Cruz clears the air — no beef with TNT’s Jojo Lastimosa, just pure celebration after San Miguel’s big win in the #PBA2025 Finals 🏀
🎥 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/s0gVmOSGVs
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 20, 2025
