CHOT Reyes welcomed the break that went TNT’s way in the waning seconds of its controversy-marred 99-96 win over San Miguel in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals.
The Tropang 5G coach thought game officials did the right thing when it called an offensive interference and nullified a Mo Tautuaa dunk that had given the Beermen the lead, 98-87, with 56 seconds remaining.
“Just when it happened, we (coaching staff) were already saying that it looked like an offensive interference,” said Reyes in the post-game presser. “And we're very fortunate that it was reversed because it could have been a different story if not.”
READ PBA refs right to call interference on Tautuaa dunk, says Castro
The controversial play had a driving Tautuaa slamming the ball off Kelly Williams in what initially looked like a missed dunk before the ball bounced high off the back rim and straight back in.
The basket gave San Miguel a 98-97 lead with 56 seconds left.
But it wasn’t until a dead ball situation in the final six seconds that officials were able to review the play before nullifying the basket, claiming offensive interference.
“Good thing there was a break, and during that jump ball they were able to review it,” said Reyes.
Following the reversal, TNT got back the lead, 97-96, before Calvin Oftana nailed two free throws with four seconds to go to ice the series opener.
Reyes said it was all breaks of the game.
“That’s part of our game. I’ve been on the opposite side of those breaks in the past so it’s just something that were very fortunate and we’re able to take advantage of it,“ added the TNT coach.
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