SMB's Jericho Cruz in action during Game 5 of the PBA Finals. PBA Images
MANILA, Philippines – Jericho Cruz is keeping it cool and professional despite earning the ire of TNT fans.
On the receiving end of the boos by TNT fans, Cruz said "it's okay" even if they curse him, but he had one reminder: spare his family.
"Wala namang problema sa 'kin 'yon, 'di ko na napapansin 'yon kasi siyempre nasa loob tayo ng court. Trabaho tayo, 'di naman tayo basta napipikon sa mga fans. Okay lang naman sa 'kin 'yon," Cruz told reporters.
Amid a grueling journey toward the PBA Philippine Cup title, San Miguel suffered a roadblock in Game 5, losing to the Grand Slam-seeking squad, 78-86, on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
"Wala namang problema kahit murahin nila 'ko, wala namang problema, basta 'wag lang 'yung family ko," he added.
Cruz expressed acceptance after the Game 5 defeat, saying that he isn't a "sore loser." He also tipped his hat to the Tropang 5G side.
READ: PBA Finals: TNT lives another day after Game 5 win over San Miguel
"They [TNT] deserve to win. Wala namang problema sa 'kin 'yon, 'di naman ako sore loser--kumbaga, nakakatanggap naman ako ng talo."
Still up 3-2 in the series, Cruz said they need to step up their efforts in order to complete their quest of regaining the all-Pinoy crown.
"'Yung effort namin, walang wala sa effort nila [TNT]. Kumbaga 'yung effort nila, to the highest. Kami, parang up and down, up and down kami. So, 'yun lang, sa next game namin, siguro 'yung effort lang talaga namin. Kudos sa kanila, kasi lahat sa kanila, nagwo-work, eh."
RELATED VIDEO: