SMB restores lost pride after Game 2

San Miguel’s Chris Ross had just intercepted Robbie Herndon’s pass from the baseline when he looked at PJ Simon, who was standing near the Magnolia bench, and faked a chest pass with less than 5:30 remaining in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

While later suggesting it was all for fun, Ross also seemed to have given the Hotshots a stern message in the Beermen’s 92-77 victory that not only tied the best-of-7 going into the Holy Week break, but also restored whatever pride was lost in the stunning meltdown two nights earlier.

“We’re such a prideful team and to lose a game up 20 [in the third quarter] in the finals is never a good feeling,” said Ross, referring to San Miguel’s 105-103 setback in Game 1. “Us veterans took it upon ourselves to right the ship a little bit and come to Game 2 and try to get the win.”

Arwind Santos, who had a minor dustup with Jio Jalalon late in the contest, typified how the Beermen regained their mean streak by hitting 24 points on six triples. One of his long toms came at a crucial point in the fourth when the Hotshots, down 21 twice in the third, opened the fourth with 11 straight to move within eight, 75-67.

Santos’ triple triggered a 10-0 counter and averted a potential 2-0 hole.

“Siguro pinakita lang namin na hindi dahil naka three-peat na kami, papayag na lang kami ng ganun-ganun lang.” said Santos. “Siguro kaya pinakita ko na lang na bilang may-ari ng trono, kahit sino umagaw, magagalit ka.”