Ross hits 10 threes to bring SMB one step closer to semis sweep

“Final: 117 – 105 in favor of the San Miguel Beermen! Best Player: Chris Ross with 34 points – 10/16 3PFGs, 8 assists and 3 steals. #PBACommsCUp #PBALabanKungLaban” (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

The Beermen were able to rise from a 29-point deficit after 34-year-old Filipino-American Chris Ross broke the record for most three-pointers in a game, bagging 10 in total throughout the match. Through this, he was able to match teammate Marcio Lassiter’s 2015 record. In total, Ross finished with 34 points, which is also a career-high for the guard. Besides Ross, import Chris McCollough also had a successful performance with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds. Alex Cabagnot, Christian Standhardinger, June Mar Fajardo, and Terrence Romeo all chipped double digits at 17, 15, 14, and 12 points respectively. 

On the other hand, Rain or Shine had a successful first quarter with import Carl Montgomery leading the way at 24 points and 15 rebounds throughout the game, while Rey Nambatac and Ed Daquioag provided 15 and 13 points respectively. In total, the Elasto Painters were also on fire behind the arc as they scored 17 three-pointers in total.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria is “really surprised with what happened” in their win, stating, “This game is unbelievable.” He elaborated, “We were down 29 points and all of a sudden, we were able to catch up and take the lead. I really don’t know what transpired during the game. What we talked about in practice transpired during the last eight minutes of the second quarter. [RoS] almost had a perfect game in the first 16 minutes, but I think my players woke up.”

Austria also added that while Lassiter is out for injury, “his spirit was passed on to Ross [during the game],” with Ross also opening up about receiving a motivational text from his injured teammate prior to the game. He stated, “Actually, while on my way to the gym, I was texting with Marcio. He was just telling me, ‘Bruh, just shoot the ball, man. Trust your work and just shoot the ball,” continuing, “He texted me [after the match] and said, ‘Man you should’ve gotten one more. You would’ve beat my record.’ But I’m good at just being at 10 as long as we win. You know me. I don’t really care about records or stats.”

In order to sweep the semifinal series, the Beermen must win their next match against the Elasto Painters happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum next Wednesday, July 31.