Chris Ross was once again instrumental when defending, five-time champion San Miguel hurdled a gutsy Alaska side to post its second win in a row in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, Saturday night.
The veteran floor general came off the bench and finished with 10 points on a 50-percent clip from the field. He also had six rebounds, six assists, and three steals in over 30 minutes in the 92-88 victory.
And he put out despite the pain.
Injuries have been hounding Ross inside the bubble. In the Beermen’s 88-107 loss to current leaders TNT Tropang Giga last Oct. 16, he hurt his knee and ankle following a bad landing.
Then in their meeting versus Terrafirma three nights later — where they punched their first win since the season reopened — the 35-year-old sprained his right thumb, which kept him from playing in the fourth.
“We’re really worried before this game because ‘yung last game namin against Terrafirma, he was hurt. His thumb, nagkaroon ng sprain,” disclosed SMB head coach Leo Austria moments after their conquest of the Aces.
“He’s hurt also on his ankle and knee because in our game against Talk N Text. Nabagsakan siya eh. May ankle sprain siya,” furthered the four-time PBA Coach of the Year awardee.
Austria could only tip his hat to Ross’ commitment to the Beermen, and for braving through the injuries just to help — especially with the team playing in the bubble with a depleted crew.
Already without reigning, six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, SMB has lost Terrence Romeo to a dislocated shoulder. Matt Ganuelas-Rosser, meanwhile, decided not to play this season.
“He’s a warrior,” said Austria.
“In an important game like this, he will commit. And I’m so happy because he played really well and helped his teammates a lot in orchestrating the plays. In the next few days, sana maka-recover siya 100 percent.”
