CHRIS Ross continued to flash his vintage form for San Miguel Beer, helping the Beermen triumph in Game 2 that evened its PBA Philippine Cup Finals series with TNT Tropang 5G at 1-1.
Ross had seven points, four rebounds, seven assists and four steals on the strength of his steady playmaking and trademark defense that enabled the Beermen to take a, 98-92, win on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
"The coaches have been calling my number in the fourth quarter the last three games, and I just want to go out there and make plays for my team," Ross said.
The multi-Defensive Player of the Year awardee was referring to his outstanding performance since Game 7 of the semifinals against Barangay Ginebra when coach Leo Austria inserted Ross in the game and he responded with a vintage effort that more than made up for his lack of playing minutes not just in that series but for most of the season.
Austria claimed he and Ross had a heart-to-heart talk before Game 7 with the veteran guard requesting his coach for more playing time. Austria granted the request and visibly the gamble has been working well for the Beermen.
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"If I'm not doing something, I shouldn't be out there on the court," said Ross, who played 32 minutes in a starting role in Game 2. "I was kinda begging them to play me during the season, so I gotta make plays.
"Sometimes you don't make plays, sometimes you do. I did and we were able to win," he added.(JT)
