PBA: LA Tenorio's heroics fueled SMB's Chris Ross in do-or-die Game 7

San Miguel's Chris Ross in action. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Chris Ross revealed Wednesday his inspiration that led to his stellar Game 7 showing, towing San Miguel to a PBA Finals return.

It was none other than a fellow veteran point guard in LA Tenorio, who put Ginebra on his back in Game 6, forcing a decider in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Semifinals.

When the Beermen needed points in crunch time, Ross delivered, registering a total of 19 points, seven assists, and four steals when the dust settled in their 100-93 win over Ginebra.

READ: PBA: San Miguel ousts Ginebra, earns chance to halt TNT's Grand Slam bid

Ross, looking back, said Tenorio and his journey motivated him in Game 7.

Tenorio's wild ride was no secret—he survived colon cancer, and is now the head coach of Gilas Youth while embracing responsibilities as a veteran in the Gin Kings' nest.

"Seeing LA doing what he did, it was super inspiring to me," Ross said during the postgame press conference.

Tenorio delivered a game-winner in the dying moments of Game 6, to the delight not just of the Ginebra fans, but also of Ross.

The SMB stalwart bared that he had a chat with Tenorio just before the game.

And when Tenorio was being interviewed just outside the court following the conclusion of Game 7, Ross came to the Gin King and shared a light moment with him.

"I had a chat with LA before the game, told him I had thoughts about him, just his journey and everything that led to him, doing what he did, it really inspired me," said Ross of his fellow seasoned point guard.

Besides this, Ross admitted another mindset that led him to his performance today—being benched out in their previous outing.

READ: PBA: Tenorio flashes vintage form as Ginebra forces Game 7 vs. San Miguel

"I'm a competitor. Not playing in the last game, it hurt my feelings."

Ross, who brought his child to the post-match interview, said that his "little guy" is also his inspiration.

"I told him [coach Leo Austria] that I'm a winner. I just wanna win by any means. I don't care how it gets done. I told him, 'No one competes harder than me. It comes from this little guy right here,'" said the 40-year-old playmaker.

Ross and the Beermen hope to bring their A-game against TNT in Game 1 of the Finals on Sunday, July 13.