San Miguel coach Leo Austria had no doubt that Mo Tautuaa would bounce back in Game 2 of the PBA Finals

San Miguel Beermen center Mo Tautuaa found himself at the center of controversy after a potential game-tying dunk was waved off in Game 1 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 13.

With 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Tautuaa’s dunk—which could have tied the game—was nullified. Officials ruled it as offensive interference, stating that Tautuaa pulled the rim down before the ball went in. The controversial call proved pivotal, as Calvin Oftana later sank two free throws to secure a narrow win for TNT.

The 36-year-old veteran quickly moved past the controversy in Game 2, where he bounced back after receiving a rare start from San Miguel head coach Leo Austria. He finished with 16 points and four rebounds, helping the Beermen level the best-of-seven series at 1–1 with a 98–92 win over the TNT Tropang Giga.

Austria confirmed in the post-game press conference that he was confident Tautuaa would bounce back in Game 2, which led him to give the big man a starting berth.

“We just let him play. Naiintindihan ni Mo. That’s why before the start of the game, pagdating niya dito sa dugout, ako pa ‘yung nagtanong sa kaniya, ‘Mo, if it’s okay, I’ll start you tonight.’ Sabi niya, ‘Yes, coach,’ at biglang nagbihis agad. Nag-warm up. Kaya sabi ko, this is a sign. I know he will bounce back. He is a big help to our team,” Austria said.

San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria and Don Trollano after the Game 2 win vs. TNT. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ

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The 67-year-old reiterated that neither he nor Tautuaa discussed the controversial dunk after the game or during training, as it was in the past and nothing could be changed.

“Di namin masyado pinag-usapan ‘yung dunk niya. Makikita mo naman tonight—nag-dunk ulit siya, nag-miss nga lang. That’s how we handle those kinds of situations. Hindi kailangan ma-pressure. Alam naman natin, kapag marami kang naririnig, marami kang sinabi, parang maraming analysis, nagiging paralysis,” he added.

During Game 2, Tautuaa appeared hesitant to dunk. On one occasion, when he attempted another slam, it was instead ruled an offensive rebound as the ball bounced off the ring. The Filipino-Tongan big man admitted after the game that he is laying off dunking for the time being.

With the series tied at 1–1, Game 3 becomes even more crucial. It is scheduled for Friday, July 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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