Drama and Dispute: The Controversial Climax of Game 1, PBA Philippine Cup Finals

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by Lou Reyes

Photo: PBA Media Bureau

Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between TNT Tropang 5G and the San Miguel Beermen went from a comfortable TNT romp into a suspenseful thriller — and then exploded into controversy with under a minute left, leaving Philippine basketball buzzing. 

After a dominant first three quarters, TNT had built a staggering 24-point lead, fueled by their sharp perimeter shooting. But San Miguel clawed back steadily in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap and fueling hopes for a late-game charge.

The pivotal moment came with 56 seconds remaining. San Miguel's Mo Tautuaa slammed home a powerful dunk that appeared to give the Beermen a 98–97 lead. But after a jump ball forced by Chris Ross, the replay hammer dropped: Tautuaa was deemed to have committed offensive basket interference by gripping and pulling down the rim as the ball descended — a violation under PBA rules. 

Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro later confirmed that the contact was enough to influence the ball’s descent and was therefore correctly overturned.

The nullified basket triggered a four-point swing and shifted momentum back to TNT. With possession regained, Calvin Oftana calmly sank two free throws, pushing TNT ahead for good and drawing the ire of players and fans alike. 

Mo Tautuaa made his feelings known on the court, stating bluntly, “That’s the exact opposite of a right call. Let us decide the game. It’s simple”— a sentiment echoed by San Miguel’s bench and supporters who felt robbed by the call.

Adding to the tension was the extended pause before the announcement of the overturned basket. Rules stipulate that reviews can only be made during dead-ball situations — something that didn’t occur until Ross secured the jump ball with 6.2 seconds left. 

As Castro explained, officials had been reviewing the play during live action, but only had the opportunity to officially announce the decision after the stoppage. That delay, though procedural, intensified the controversy, leaving fans and players in limbo and stirring debate across social and traditional media.

Ultimately, TNT held on for a 99–96 victory, but the win was overshadowed by the disputed ending. That moment, rather than any single performance or highlight, will likely define Game 1 in the eyes of many. 

With San Miguel now trailing 0–1 in the series, the psychological impact could reverberate through the Finals, whether as fuel for a furious comeback or a lingering point of distraction.

As both teams process the fallout, the stage is set for an electric Game 2. 

Will San Miguel channel their frustration into redemption? Or can TNT ride the momentum — controversial finish and all — deeper into the championship? The Philippine Cup now hinges not just on skill and strategy, but on how each side responds to the drama that has already taken center court.