Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — His primary role was to bother his opponent with his pesky defense, but in a series where San Miguel Beer star June Mar Fajardo missed the first three games, Chris Ross shone the brightest on both ends for the Beermen.
And his best game yet happened in Game 7 of the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup finals against the Alaska Aces on Wednesday (February 3) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ross, who scored 21 points built on four three-pointers, had carried the Beermen onto his shoulders especially when they didn’t have league MVP Fajardo to bank on.
But he hardly flinched under the weight, earning the San Miguel Beer mentor’s praise after the team carved out a slice of history by completing a comeback from 0-3 down in the best-of-seven finale.
“My players, especially Ross, refused to lose. Yung leadership niya nag-rub off sa players,” said coach Leo Austria of Ross, who was named Finals MVP.
“I’m happy for him. I told him I needed his pressure defense but the good thing is, he kept scoring. And it’s a bonus for the team.”
Actually, everyone, even seldom-used Yancy De Ocampo and and Gabby Espinas, stepped up until Fajardo returned in Game 5.
“It’s still an unbelievable feeling,” said Ross. “I couldn’t have done it with a better group of guys. Everyone believed when we were down 0-3, and it’s just amazing to do it with these guys.”
“They had faith in me, in my skills, and abilities. It’s a better atmosphere when everyone has trust in each other.”
Related: San Miguel makes history, comes back from 0-3 hole to win championship
