MANILA, Philippines: Other than his explosive shooting, San Miguel Beer coach Jorge Gallent said veteran guard Jericho Cruz brings the much-needed toughness to the Beermen in their quest for the franchise's 29th PBA championship crown.

Cruz, the Filipino-Guamanian guard, stepped up big on Sunday, unleashing a PBA playoff-career high 30 points, built around eight three-point shots to lead the Beermen to a pivotal 108-98 victory against the Hotshots.

The huge Game 5 win allowed the Beermen to regain control of the series at 3-2, moving within a win from ruling the PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup.

"Jericho brings to us toughness, that's what he does. He does a lot for us

Especially toughness-wise. I'm very grateful for that," said Gallent.

For his part, the former Adamson U standout said given the talent-loaded SMB side, the players' mindset is just "be ready to step up once you get called."

"That's what we have been doing, that once we're given the chance to play on the court, you have to be ready," shared the 31-year-old Cruz, a recipient of the Mr. Quality Minutes award for the 2023 season.

Nonetheless, Cruz was quick to point out that the Beermen's title quest is not over.

"Job's not finished yet. Back to the drawing board and see what coach will give us in the game preparation," he added.

The sweet-shooting Cruz is coming off a one-game ban in Game 3 after incurring five technical fouls for the conference.

Still, the tough-playing SMB guard is taking it in stride as he's focused at helping the Beermen win their 29th league crown, and his third title as a PBA player.

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