by Jonas Terrado

Chris Ross credited San Miguel Beer’s series-equaling victory over Magnolia in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals to a more-intense approach that was lacking in its loss in the series opener two days prior.

The Beermen evened the best-of-seven affair at 1-1 after a balanced attack which saw Ross being one of the lead men led to a 20-point lead in the second half before posting a 108-101 victory.

“I just felt we played with semifinal intensity (in Game 1) and we didn’t play like we’re in the finals,” Ross said after Friday’s game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Chris Ross of San Miguel Beer guarded by Mark Barroca (PBA Images)

“We have a bunch of resilient guys. Usually after a loss we play some good basketball but it’s kind of unfortunate that it takes a loss to kinda wake us up,” added Ross.

Ross shot 6-of-15 from the field for 15 points after going 2-of-11 for five points in Wednesday’s 99-94 defeat.

Terrence Romeo also atoned for going 2-of-11 and eight points the last time by going 13 points despite a 3-of-9 shooting before being tossed for two technical fouls in the fourth quarter.

Christian Standhardinger also had a forgetful start to his second PBA Finals appearance when he only had two points and two turnovers in 15 minutes in Game 1.

But Standhardinger scored nine of his 13 points in the third quarter of Game 2, one of the reasons for the Beermen to build on their 51-41 lead at the break.

Marcio Lassiter continued to struggled with his 4-of-13 shooting but was able to score 10 of his 15 in the fourth quarter including a three-pointer during garbage time.

Lassiter believes he’ll be able to build on his slow progress for Sunday’s Game 3 when San Miguel and Magnolia clash for a 2-1 lead.

“It’s definitely a confidence-booster,” said Lassiter. “I just need one three-pointer so I can build up on that and get some good looks.

“I have to thank my teammates because they keep telling me to shoot it even if I’m missing because eventually it’s gonna fall,” he added.

Tags: Chris Ross , Christian Standhardinger , Magnolia , Marcio Lassiter , PBA , PBA finals , PBA Philippine Cup , PBA Philippine Cup finals , San Miguel Beer , Terrence Romeo