PBA: Jericho Cruz offers no excuse after missed shot in SMB loss

San Miguel guard Jericho Cruz during the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals against Barangay Ginebra.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—It didn’t take long for San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz to move on from the heartbreaking loss to Ginebra that pulled the plug on the Beermen’s title bid in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday.

Cruz had the chance to send the game into overtime but missed the potential game-tying triple from the right wing as time expired.

“I didn’t make the shot so let’s just move on,” Cruz said after San Miguel failed to extend its semifinals series to a Game 7.

READ: PBA: Ahanmisi embodies Ginebra’s ‘next man up’ mentality

SMB’s Jericho Cruz after missing the potential game-tying triple in Game 6. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/sUbnGRDQdf

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) October 20, 2024

“I don’t want to dwell on it. Hopefully, next time it happens again, it goes in.”

Cruz finished with eight points on just 3-of-11 shooting from the field and five rebounds.

The 34-year-old Cruz played through an ankle injury but refused to make it as an excuse.

“It’s a do-or-die game for us so I needed to play. I just took some painkillers so I can play and when I did, I didn’t feel it anymore,” he said.

READ: Ginebra eliminates San Miguel, sets up PBA Finals rematch vs TNT

“But after the game, the medicines wore out and it’s swollen again but it’s not an excuse.”

Cruz hurt his right ankle in the Beermen’s 121-92 loss in Game 5 two nights ago.

“They really just played well. We just have to move on, forget about this loss and bounce back in the next conference. I just have to stay healthy.”