Chris Ross praised San Miguel's resolve after the Beermen clinched a crucial win over TNT KaTropa on Saturday.
Ross played a key role in helping the Beermen overcame a determined stand by TNT in the fourth quarter of their Petron Saturday Special matchup to produce a 99-94 win in at the Mall of Asia Arena and restore lost pride in its PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign.
The rugged guard finished with seven points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and six steals against TNT.
San Miguel also weathered the absence of Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos, who were ejected for separate incidents, as Ross, June Mar Fajardo, Alex Cabagnot and Von Pessumal provided enough support for import Renaldo Balkman.
Balkman delivered 43 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks for the Beermen.
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"Our backs were against the wall so it's pretty much a must-win for us," said Ross.
"Marcio got ejected early, then Arwind got ejected late but we were able to get a lot of production from everyone."
The Beermen improved to 4-4, tying GlobalPort and Magnolia for fifth in the standings heading into its final three games of the elims. For Ross, sweeping those matches may give them a sense of confidence that a second straight crown may still be a possibility.
"Going in the playoffs, we want to play our best basketball," Ross said. "We righted the ship (against TNT) but we know all of our games are must-wins."(JT)
