Chris Ross after making a three-point shot. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
As the smell of champagne wafted inside the San Miguel dugout at Mall of Asia Arena, Marcio Lassiter couldn’t hide his excitement as a throng of reporters rushed to interview his teammate, Chris Ross.
“He deserves it, man. I’m so proud of him right now,” Lassiter told the Inquirer, pointing to Ross who delivered one of the most awe-inspiring performances in a Game 7, lifting San Miguel to a 96-89 win over Alaska Wednesday night in the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup finals.
Ross finished with 21 points, built on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, and added five rebounds and five assists to clinch the Finals MVP honors as San Miguel became the first team to win a PBA title even after going 0-3 down in a series.
Ross was quick to deflect all the praise.
“When you have coaches trusting you, it becomes easier,” said Ross. “And we have 15 MVPs on this team.”
Alaska coach Alex Compton said Ross’ performance was a key factor in the Beermen’s triumph.
“We didn’t have a game plan for Chris Ross hitting four threes and turning into Marcio Lassiter in Game 7,” Compton told reporters. “After the game, I gave him a hug and told him he’s a winner. He’s huge.”
Lassiter has been San Miguel’s designated sniper from beyond the arc in the series, but as the Alaska defense sagged off Ross in Game 7, the point guard made the Aces pay.
“Seeing him shoot those threes it was just something special,” said Lassiter, who engages Ross in shooting drills after practices. “I told him to shoot with confidence. For him to do it on the biggest stage, its something you dream about.”