Chris Ross leads San Miguel to PBA Finals after Game 7 win over Barangay Ginebra

The San Miguel Beermen once again proved why they are one of the most formidable teams in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history, pulling off an incredible 100–93 comeback victory in their do-or-die Game 7 of the Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 9.

Veteran Chris Ross stepped up when his team needed him most, finishing with 19 crucial points, seven assists, four steals, and three rebounds — 10 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. It was a powerful statement from Ross, who had been benched for the entirety of Game 6 by head coach Leo Austria.

This time, Ross was given over 28 minutes of playing time and delivered eight points during a pivotal 17–9 run that allowed San Miguel to pull away late in the game.

🍻🍻 Back in the Finals!#PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/uxbYR7pbkY

— PBA (@pbaconnect) July 9, 2025

“Chris Ross was not able to play last game, and I approached him and told him I was so sorry for what happened. I felt so guilty at the time,” Austria said during the post-game press conference. “I know him — he’s a playoff guy. He wants to win. He’s very infectious with his teammates. He initiated everything that happened in this game.”

Ross received strong support from record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo, who tallied a double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds, despite playing through a lingering calf injury throughout the semifinals.

The win gives San Miguel a chance to secure their seventh All-Filipino title since 2015, and their first Philippine Cup championship since 2022. They will face the Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang Giga in a highly anticipated finals showdown.

Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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