In limited minutes, Cruz gives Ginebra a big lift

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

If there’s a Mr. Quality Minutes for Ginebra in its huge 116-103 victory over Star on Sunday, no doubt it’s Jervy Cruz.

The former UST star made the most of his career playing time, giving starter Japeth Aguilar a breather near the end of the third quarter and igniting the Gin Kings’ breakaway to start its scintillating fourth.

Receiving a pass from Aljon Mariano, Cruz beat the buzzer with a layup to end the third frame, and then kept pounding on the Hotshots after nailing six more points to start the payoff period.

All in all, Cruz finished with eight points and a rebound in just five minutes of action for Ginebra.

“Sabi ko nga sa mga coaches, kahit kaunting minutes lang ibibigay ko lahat, ready lang ako lagi,” he said.

Though he has seen his minutes dwindle as part of a crowded Ginebra frontcourt, Cruz said the only concern for him is to match the intensity provided by the starters whenever his coach Tim Cone injects him to the game.

“Siyempre sila Japeth at yung import pa ang ka-pwestuhan ko so sabi ko, kahit ilang minutes ang ibigay sa akin ni coach, ready lang ako lagi kasi kailangan ko makasabay sa kanila,” he said.

And Cruz is happy to do such, while also having his short yet productive moment in the tightly-contested Manila Clasico, knowing that he chipped his part in the Gin Kings’ fightback from 17-points down.

“Star pa ang kalaban namin, tapos tambak kami pero nakahabol. Sobrang saya talaga,” he said.

At 6-2, Ginebra has now clinched a spot in the quarterfinals and is eyeing to continue its hot streak when it faces Mahindra on Sept 9.

“Sana tuloy-tuloy na. Mahindra pa ang kalaban namin so sana ma-sustain namin yung ganitong laro,” he said./rga