TNT takes Game 1 of PBA Finals after surviving a San Miguel rally in a controversy-marred clash

Arjun DevganBasketball3 days ago235 Views

The TNT Tropang Giga held on after squandering a 24-point lead and benefited from a favorable—but contentious—officiating decision to defeat the San Miguel Beermen, 99–96, in Game 1 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 13.

 

Roger Pogoy led the way for TNT in his return from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for the team’s previous four games. The veteran guard finished with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting and received strong support from Jordan Heading (19 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds) and Calvin Oftana (13 points, 9 rebounds). Kelly Williams, another player returning from injury, also made his presence felt with nine points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

 

However, the game’s biggest talking point came with 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, when San Miguel’s Mo Tautuaa had a potential game-tying dunk waved off. Officials ruled it 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 seal the nervy win for TNT.

 

“Just when it happened, we were already saying that it looked like offensive interference. So good thing that there was a break on that jump ball, and they were able to review it. We are very fortunate that it was reversed. Could have been a very different story if not,” TNT head coach Chot Reyes said postgame.

“We had no illusions that San Miguel would just roll over and lay down. We knew they were going to mount a comeback, and we kept reminding our players during timeouts to relax and stay calm,” he added.

 

The overruled decision spoiled what could have been a stunning comeback for San Miguel, who outscored TNT 30–14 in the fourth quarter. The Beermen, trailing 74–92 entering the final period, nearly pulled off a dramatic turnaround behind strong performances from June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Don Trollano.

 

Fajardo led the Beermen with 26 points, 15 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. San Miguel’s camp was visibly frustrated with the ruling that went against them late in the game.

 

Game 2 of the Finals is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and promises to be another thrilling encounter.

 

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