Chris Ross addresses heated exchange with TNT manager Jojo Lastimosa in Game 3

Just when it appeared that TNT had finally wrestled control of the night, CJ Perez rose to remind everyone that the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals still runs through San Miguel Beer.

In a pulsating and emotionally charged Game 3 that swung wildly from quarter to quarter, Perez authored one of the most ruthless finishing acts of the series. The San Miguel guard erupted for 17 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, repeatedly answering TNT’s rallies and closing the door on any hopes of a late comeback as the Beermen secured a hard-earned 95–89 victory Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The win, achieved in front of a loud, energized crowd that mirrored the intensity on the floor, pushed San Miguel to a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals and once again underscored the championship DNA that has defined the franchise for years.

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Perez’s late-game takeover was the defining image of the night. With the game hanging in the balance entering the final frame, the former Finals MVP attacked the defense with purpose—hitting timely jumpers, slashing to the basket, and imposing his will when San Miguel needed composure the most. Each basket felt heavier than the last, draining momentum from TNT while lifting the Beermen closer to control of the series.

Yet beyond the box score and highlight reels, San Miguel’s Game 3 triumph was also shaped by a quieter, grittier narrative—one rooted in sacrifice, toughness, and the emotional toll of a championship fight.

Veteran guard Chris Ross, long regarded as the Beermen’s defensive heartbeat and emotional compass, once again suited up despite dealing with pain in his Achilles tendon. At 40 years old and deep into another Finals run, Ross’ presence alone carried weight, even as his health remained a growing concern heading into the latter stages of the series.

That tension spilled over into a heated exchange late in the game involving Ross and TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa, an incident that briefly shifted attention away from the action on the court. Ross, however, was quick to downplay the confrontation, framing it as an inevitable byproduct of Finals basketball.

“We are playing for a championship, so if we are not getting in the other team’s face, then what are we doing? These are two really good teams, so guys should expect that. If you don’t have that energy, you are not showing that you want to win,” Ross said in a media interaction.

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The longtime San Miguel stalwart emphasized that emotions naturally run high at this stage of the season, particularly with both teams fighting for every possession and every edge. For Ross, intensity is not just acceptable—it is necessary.

Ross also clarified that the altercation did not initially involve Lastimosa, instead stemming from remarks made by individuals seated near the TNT bench while he was down on the court.

“It wasn’t Jolas. It was some fans or family members who were telling me to get off the court and hurry up. If I’m hurt, I’m hurt so I think it’s disrespectful to rush a player if he is hurt. There should be a line drawn when someone’s hurt.

“It was directed at the fans, but they were women, and I don’t talk down to women. Then Jolas got into it, then I got into him. He came up to me after the game and apologized,” he concluded.

The incident, while tense, ultimately reflected the high emotional stakes of a Finals series where margins are thin and respect is fiercely guarded. Ross’ explanation helped diffuse the moment, and his acknowledgment of Lastimosa’s postgame apology underscored the professionalism that still exists beneath the competitive fire.

For San Miguel, Ross’ leadership—both visible and behind the scenes—remains invaluable. Even as his body absorbs the wear of another grueling campaign, his willingness to play through pain embodies the urgency of the Beermen’s title push. His presence stabilizes the team defensively and emotionally, especially in games that threaten to spiral under pressure.

As the series progresses, Ross’ condition will be closely monitored. His availability for Game 4 looms as a significant storyline, particularly with TNT expected to respond with renewed intensity after relinquishing momentum in Game 3.

San Miguel, meanwhile, will look to build on Perez’s explosive finish and tighten its grip on the Philippine Cup crown when the two teams return to the floor on Wednesday, January 28, once again at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. TNT, fighting to level the series, faces the challenge of containing Perez late while matching San Miguel’s physicality and composure.

With emotions rising, bodies aching, and the championship within reach, the Finals has fully revealed what it demands—timely brilliance, hardened resolve, and a willingness to endure everything that comes with playing for the title.

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