Chris Ross was 'huge difference' in Game 7, says dejected Aces coach Compton

Alaska Aces head coach Alex Compton admitted that Finals Most Valuable Player Chris Ross was the huge difference in San Miguel Beer's Game Seven victory against the Aces on Wednesday night.

The SMB guard scored a conference-high 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists to help the defending champions complete an unprecedented comeback from a 0-3 hole in the series.

"We didn't have a game plan for Chris Ross hitting four threes turning into Marcio Lassiter," Compton said after the game.

"[I] gave him a hug, told him afterwards he's a winner. He's huge."

The Aces already had their hands full controlling Beermen shooters Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, and Chris Lutz. Ross stepping up from beyond the arc was a curve ball that they did not have any response for.

"A non-shooter stepped up and absolutely stroked the ball. I mean, he looked like Marcio out there," the American coach said, comparing Ross to his teammate who is arguably one of the best shooters in the league.

SMB head coach Leo Austria also showered praises on his guard, who was instrumental in changing the Beermen's fortune in Game Four.

Ross averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, four assists, and 1.7 steals in the finals series, but it was his tenacity that powered San Miguel's historic comeback.

"My players especially Ross refused to lose. He encouraged his teammates. 'Yung leadership niya nag-rub off sa players," Austria said. — APG, GMA News