Ross, Fajardo power San Miguel past Barangay Ginebra, sets up Philippine Cup finals duel vs TNT

San Miguel turned to its veterans in Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo as they powered the Beermen past Barangay Ginebra, 100-93, on Wednesday in Game 7 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ross, who did not play in Game 6 of the series, helped the Beermen in their late rally in the fourth period and made 10 of his 19 points in the said period alone, along with four steals, and three of his seven assists.

Fajardo, meanwhile, registered 21 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal in the game.

Ginebra was leading 73-62 late in the third period before back-to-back baskets from Fajardo and Ross closed the frame. That run continued early in the fourth period as the Beermen made a 14-4 run to reclaim the lead, 81-77, with less than eight minutes remaining. RJ Abarrientos then drilled a triple to cut the deficit within one. San Miguel made another 10-4 run, with all 10 points from both Ross and Fajardo, to get a 91-84 lead with 3:48 remaining. Jamie Malonzo hit a trey to inch closer, but Rodney Brondial joined the late Beermen rally. 

Stephen Holt tried to help in the Gin Kings' cause, but Fajardo completed a three-point play before another basket from Ross handed San Miguel a 98-89 lead. Jamie Malonzo shot a 4-pointer to give a glimmer of hope for Barangay Ginebra but free throws from Ross off a Malonzo foul eventually sealed the victory for the Beermen.

"This is a golden opportunity for us and I think the players realized we needed to step up, and everybody stepped up, especially Chris Ross. He was not able to play last game and I approached him and I told him I was so sorry about what happened. I was guilty at that time, but he's a veteran. Alam natin na he's a playoff player and there's a lot of people na [talking]... I have to take my role as a head coach. Kung anong sinasabi nila, I will take the responsibility and that's what happened," head coach Leo Austria said.

Aside from Ross and Fajardo, Perez had 15 points, while Mo Tautuaa added 14 points.

Malonzo had 22 points, while Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos had 16 points each in the Ginebra loss.

With the victory, the Beermen set up a duel against Grand Slam-seeking TNT in the Finals which will open on Sunday.

Scores:

San Miguel 100 – Fajardo 21, Ross 19, Perez 15, Tautuaa 14, Trollano 10, Tiongson 6, Brondial 6, Lassiter 5, Cruz 4.

Barangay Ginebra 93 – Malonzo 22, Thompson 16, Abarrientos 16, Rosario 15, Holt 12, J.Aguilar 12, David 0, Ahanmisi 0, Tenorio 0.

Quarters: 17-23, 45-44, 66-73, 100-93.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News