PBA: Cruz says clash with Santos ‘part of the game’

Jericho Cruz and Arwind Santos. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Jericho Cruz knew he had to do all he could to help Rain or Shine complete the semifinals sweep of San Miguel.

And whether he wanted it or not, he had to juke it out against Arwind Santos on Thursday.

The two traded barbs over the course of game, and were even whistled with a double-technical for taunting as they tried one-up one another in hopes of helping their respective teams to the victory.

Unfortunately for the sophomore guard, it was the Beermen who had the upper hand at the buzzer and avoiding the sweep with a 104-98 Game 3 win.

But after the game, the two said that their altercation is nothing more but a little psywar as they were just trying to get to each other’s head.

“It’s just part of the game. Alam naman natin yun eh, pero after that, we’re friends naman,” Cruz said. “Syempre kuya-kuyahan ko ‘yan. Nadala din tayo sa emotions. After we lost, nagsabi ako sa kanya na pasensya na and it’s part of the game. Sabi niya, it’s OK.”

The veteran Santos also said he and the young guard were okay. “Wala yun. Nag-aasaran lang kami. Halos lahat ng laway nya, tumalsik sa akin. Tinalsikan ko lang din sya ng laway. Ok naman kami.”

However, what bugs Cruz was his team’s missed chance of closing the series out.

“Everybody’s disappointed. Feeling ko masyado lang kami nag-relax,” he said, after registering 25 points, nine rebounds, and four steals for his crew. “I’m not happy. Kahit one point lang as long as my team win. Mas importante sa akin yung panalo kaysa sa stats.”

Rain or Shine gets another crack at San Miguel on Sunday for Game 4 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.