San Miguel Beermen’s Jericho Cruz during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz didn’t have a good day in the office offensively in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. So naturally, he did what he could to help in other departments.

In Beermen’s 98-92 win over TNT at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night, Cruz spaced the floor as much as he could to ensure everyone had their moment to shine in the victory that tied the series at 1-1.

HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 – San Miguel vs TNT

“Earlier, I couldn’t shoot so that was all I could do, create for my teammates,” said Cruz. “I just stepped up [in other aspects] because sometimes, I really need to.”

Cruz had an off-night offensively, scoring just six points and making only one of his 10 field goal attempts. But that’s where his veteran wits came through.

San Miguel Beermen’s Jericho Cruz during Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against TNT Tropang 5G. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The two-way guard dished out seven assists, grabbed six rebounds, and tallied a steal to help the Beermen flaunt their offensive depth against the Tropang 5G.

READ: PBA Finals: San Miguel gets back at TNT to tie series at 1-1

Even star guard CJ Perez had a quiet night with just eight points on 4-of-15 shooting, but Cruz’s playmaking helped keep the Beermen on track.

“All of us, as a team and a second unit, we step up. Don’s (Trollano) there, me as well, Juami (Tiongson) also stepped up well today with his defense,” said Cruz.
“I don’t think of myself. I think of the team because as a second unit, we move the ball really well.”

Trollano was the biggest beneficiary of Cruz’s floor generalship, finishing with 22 points.

Cruz and the Beermen return to action against TNT on Friday for Game 3 at the same venue.