FILE – One of the heated moments between San Miguel guard Chris Ross and TNT import Terrence Jones. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer guard Chris Ross didn’t mince any words when talking about TNT import Terrence Jones.
Ross and Jones have been getting under each other’s skin since Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and Game 3 on Friday was just another chapter in their heated competition.
The two got into a commotion again in the first quarter that resulted to Jones getting a flagrant foul penalty 1 for head-butting Ross, who was also penalized with a technical for trashtalking.
READ: Terrence Jones, Chris Ross at it again as TNT import caught headbutting SMB guard
“He’s mentally a baby,” said Ross, referring to Jones when he was asked about the incident at the 5:49 mark of the opening period.
Ross, who scored just five points on 1-of-3 shooting from the field after firing 25 in a 127-125 double-overtime victory in Game 2 three nights ago, also blasted the officials for giving him a technical while adding that Jones should’ve been ejected for the headbutt.
READ: PBA Finals: Terrence Jones powers TNT past San Miguel for 2-1 lead
“I got a tech for no reason. I didn’t turn and talk to him or anything. I was looking straight. They said they thought I said something. You can’t give a tech for thinking something. That was their explanation to me. They gave me a tech because they thought I said something and I think that’s BS,” he said after the Beermen lost, 115-105, as the KaTropa regained a 2-1 series lead.
“I didn’t turn to him and talk. I was going straight and then he came and head-butted me and I thought that’s more than an F1. They called what they called but he’s mentally a baby,” he added. “I thought I’ve seen people get ejected for headbutts. I guess not today.”
READ: Ejected in Game 2, Jones shrugs off mind games by Ross
Jones had already been tossed in Game 2 and he seemed to have learned his lesson, keeping his composure to finish Game 3 despite incurring an early flagrant foul and lead TNT to a crucial win.
The 27-year-old Jones was also smart enough to avoid additional fine by opting not to respond to Ross’ statements. Instead, he praised his teammates for backing him up as four other KaTropa finished in double-digit scoring.
“I think Troy had a great game, Roger had a great game and Don played an excellent game today and I’m excited to see how we come out as a team in Game 4,” said Jones, who dominated anew with 37 points, 18 rebounds, nine assists, and five blocks.