Mo Tautuaa puts controversial Game 1 dunk behind him, helps San Miguel level the PBA Finals at 1-1

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.

“After that frustrating loss, we kind of tried to put that to the side because there was nothing we could do about it anymore at this point. So all we’re doing now is just making sure we go out and play our game. When we play our brand of basketball, we do well. It feels good,” Tautuaa said in the post-game press conference.

The Filipino-Tongan big man admitted it was the first time in his career that he lost a game due to an offensive interference call.

SMB’s Mo Tautuaa speaks on his bounce back game in Game 1 after his go-ahead dunk in Game 1 was nullified that led to TNT’s 99-96 win.

Tautuaa started in Game 2 and scored SMB’s last points again. @PhilippineStar @StarSportsHub @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/bK2wyr16qW

— John Bryan Ulanday (@bryanulanday) July 16, 2025

“I think that was the first time anyone has lost a game like that—where points get taken away. I have never seen that ever in my life, so that was cool in that sense, I guess. But it sucks that we had to lose that way. I mean, today was all about us playing together,” 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.

“I missed another dunk. I think I’m done trying to dunk now. I feel like I got over that point where I’ll just lay it in from now on,” he concluded.

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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