Kiss from a Ross

Chris Ross stood at center court, filled with emotions as he waited for the final seconds to tick away before the blast of the final buzzer echoed inside the jampacked Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

His frustrations all washed away as his San Miguel Beer teammates mobbed him in celebration of the team’s formal entry into the Philippine Cup finals following a hard-fought semifinals series victory over Barangay Ginebra that went the full seven games.

More than completing a come-from-behind win against a formidable rival for the last ticket to the biggest stage against grand slam-seeking TNT Tropang 5G, the victory felt like a validation for the 16-year veteran that he still has game.

Ross turned back the hands of time, displaying his leadership and providing stability as the Beermen secured a dramatic 100-93 triumph in the sudden death to advance in their first finals appearance in the last three conferences.

The 40-year-old guard had an inspired performance of 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field with seven assists, four steals and three rebounds in almost 29 minutes of action off the bench.

His explosion came on the heels of the frustrating ordeal of helplessly riding the bench and watching Kings elder statesman LA Tenorio knock down the game-winning triple in Game 6 last Sunday that forced the series decider.

“I’m a competitor. And like not playing in the last game, it hurt my feelings,” the 10-time PBA champion said.

Game 6 was Ross’ second benching in the series since not playing in Game 2. Ross averaged 4.0 points, 2.75 assists and 2.0 rebounds in the four games of the semis he was fielded.

“I told coach (Leo Austria), we had a talk yesterday (Tuesday). I told him that I’m a winner. I just want to win by any means. I don’t care how it gets done. I stepped up to the plate,” the 2009 third overall pick said.

“I told him that no one competes harder than me. No one plays harder than me,” added Ross, who brought his child during the post-game interview.

“It comes from this little guy right here, like he wants to win. I had it. I’ve always had it. But since he came into my life, it’s multiplied that much more. And I was just thankful that I was given an opportunity to showcase what I could do because I’ve done it plenty of times.”

Ross wanted Austria to know that he can still trust him to deliver.

“All I was thinking about since Sunday night was getting my chance. And when I had my chance, I wanted to take full advantage of it.”

Watching the 41-year-old Tenorio save Ginebra from an early exit also served as an inspiration for Ross.

“Seeing LA do what he did, it was super inspiring to me. I had a chat with LA before the game and told him how I felt about him, just his journey and what everything that led to him doing what he did. And it really inspired me,” he said.

Fueled by the desire to win, Ross made the most of his time on the floor and even poured 10 of his points in the fourth quarter including the last four markers on the pivotal game.

He then let his emotions out after hearing the final buzzer.

“A multitude of things,” Ross said when asked what was going through his mind standing at center court.

“The biggest one was not playing last game. And I literally couldn’t sleep the last two days just thinking about it because I’m a competitor,” he added.

And I didn’t play Game 2, but we won. And that’s what I’m all about is winning. I don’t care if I play 48 minutes or if I play one second if we win, I’m happy. Not playing and not winning, it really rubbed me the wrong way. I was covering up some tears after that because it’s been an emotional last few days.”

Austria apologized for not playing Ross in Game 6.

“Chris Ross was not able to play our last game and I approached him and I told him that I’m so sorry for what happened. I’m so guilty at the time. But Chris Ross is a veteran. He’s a playoff player,” Austria said.

“But I have to take my role as a head coach. Whatever others will say I will take the responsibility. And that’s what happened because I know him. He’s a playoff guy.”