PBA: Jericho Cruz regaining form at right time for San Miguel

San Miguel Beermen’s Jericho Cruz during a game against Phoenix Fuel Masters in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Jericho Cruz is getting his groove back, and it couldn’t come at a better time for San Miguel as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals loom.

The Beermen’s key cog delivered 20 points in their 116-104 win over Phoenix Fuel Masters at Ynares Sports Center on Saturday.

Aside from the win and San Miguel’s brief rise to fifth seed, Cruz is happy to regain his old form just in time for the playoffs.

“It’s a good sign because I got injured and it was hard. I had a hard time recovering because my whole back was in pain,” he said after steering San Miguel to a 7-5 record at the end of the elimination round.

“Now, I’m getting the confidence back, I can do my old moves again so I’m happy this is happening while we’re heading into the Playoffs.”

Cruz missed the first part of the import-laden conference due to back spasms. When he returned, his minutes were mostly managed to avoid re-injury.

Fortunately, Cruz is picking up right where he left off at a crucial time for the Beermen.

“Usually, we get slow starts so we just do our jobs as the second group, which is to bring energy and whatever the first group (starters) lacked.”

“We won nicely today so hopefully, we bring this kind of energy in the Playoffs. We don’t know who we’ll face yet but we’ll be ready.”