(PBA image)
Chris Ross did not crack a smile after San Miguel Beer’s hard-earned Game 3 victory in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals, and that alone spoke volumes about where the Beermen’s mindset is right now.
San Miguel pulled off a 95-89 win over TNT Tropang 5G on Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena, a result that gave the Beermen a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven series. For many, it was a momentum-shifting performance. For Ross, it was merely another step in a race that is far from over.
“It’s a race to four. We haven’t done anything yet,” Ross said, his tone firm and unflinching despite the win.
The veteran guard stressed that celebrations have no place at this stage of the Finals, especially against a TNT squad capable of swinging the series at any moment. While San Miguel welcomed the victory, Ross made it clear that the emotional reset was immediate.
“We’re happy after this win, but it’s still the same emotions we had in Game 1. We need to bounce back. We take the same approach every game,” he said.
Ross’ words carried extra weight considering his own physical condition. Nursing a sore Achilles, the longtime defensive anchor was held scoreless in Game 3, finishing with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. His impact, however, went beyond the box score, as he continued to direct traffic and provide stability whenever TNT threatened to surge.
San Miguel leaned on its stars when it mattered most. CJ Perez delivered in the clutch, scoring seven of the Beermen’s final nine points to seal the win and finishing with a team-high 20 points. June Mar Fajardo was once again a force inside, posting a monstrous double-double of 16 points and 27 rebounds, imposing his will on both ends of the floor.
Still, Ross knows that none of it guarantees anything moving forward.
The Finals have a way of punishing complacency, and the Beermen have been around long enough to understand how quickly momentum can shift. That veteran awareness, embodied by Ross, is what San Miguel hopes will carry them through the next challenge.
The Beermen return to the same stage on Wednesday for Game 4, with a chance to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead. For Ross, however, the mindset remains unchanged.
One win at a time. No smiles. No shortcuts.