Ross timely delivers career-game for San Miguel with Mercado out

San Miguel Beer guard Chris Ross set a new career-high with 22 points in a 112-107 win over Rain or Shine. Mark Giongco

MANILA, Philippines — Chris Ross attacked the rim at will and even made 3-pointers to boot.

The way Ross played on Wednesday night, San Miguel Beer hardly missed the services of its other guard Sol Mercado, who was in street clothes due to a strained groin.

“I knew he wasn’t going to be able to play so that’s a big part of our offense. Sol getting in the paint and getting others involved and also scoring especially defensively so I knew I have to step up because it will just be me and Paolo (Hubalde) so I had to step up,” said Ross following his team’s 112-107 win over Rain or Shine.

Ross did more than just stepping up in the absence of Mercado as he set a career-high with 22 points and collected five rebounds, 10 assists and five steals in 40 minutes of action.

“Coaches wanted us to play our game and just be aggressive. I was aggressive tonight and I got going early. It’s all about confidence and putting in the work,” said Ross, who scored 11 points in each half.

“I wouldn’t say that I anticipated him having a great shooting night. He hit some shots tonight which is great but we just want a consistent effort from him from a defensive perspective it’s always his priority so when he has a good shooting night like tonight, that’s just icing on the cake,” said Beermen consultant Todd Purves of Ross.

The 29-year-old Ross, known more for his impact at the defensive end, fired three 3-pointers and shot nine-of-17 from the field overall with his last field goal giving SMB a 107-104 cushion with 44.6 ticks left.

Ross said he’s been working with teammate Marcio Lassiter, who uncorked five treys in the game, during and after practice to improve his shooting and so far it’s paying off.

“I shoot with Marcio everyday after practice. He’s one of the better shooters in the league and in the country. I get tips from him as far as not thinking about it and just catching and shooting,” said the six-foot-two guard Ross.

“He knew he had to step up because I wasn’t going to be able to play and give him some rest or be there for him so he knew he had to create a little more,” said Mercado, who sustained the injury in a loss to Talk ‘N Text.

The win improved the Beermen’s record to 3-1 with their other two wins coming at the expense of Barangay Ginebra and Meralco.

Last conference, San Miguel Beer started 8-0 but lost to Rain or Shine in five games in the semifinals – enough reason for Ross and company to make sure the team stays in its course.

“Being 3-1, it’s a good feeling but we know it’s only the beginning. Last conference we started 8-0 and we came up short in the end. We’re going to use it to build and keep getting better,” said Ross.

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