Chris Ross only scored three points in Gilas Pilipinas’ first three assignments in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
But on Monday night, with the Filipino dribblers up against Indonesia in the semifinals, the do-it-all point guard was more assertive on offense. And that only led to greater things for his team.
Ross buried all of his three three-pointers in the third quarter alone, which helped Gilas explode for 39 big points in the same frame. That outing turned what had earlier been a tight affair into a one-sided show.
He finished with 11 points, along with six assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block. Gilas won by 27, 97-70.
“How many times have you seen Chris step up in big, really important games and knock down three-point shots? It’s really amazing. He has a real uncanny knack for that,” said coach Tim Cone.
On the other hand, the San Miguel Beermen floor general said, “I was just trying to be aggressive, take what the defense gives me.”
Still, as remarkable as he was on offense, Ross said that he feels more proud of their defense.
After allowing the Indonesians to score 20 in the first quarter, then 28 in the following frame, Gilas limited them to just 17 points in the third while they exploded for nearly 40.
Gilas also limited to Indonesia to its lowest output of the tourney after averaging 92.3 points prior.
“We were a little aggressive offensively this game [but] I was more so pleased with the way we defended as a team when we went on that run.”
