Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals ended in controversy after Mo Tautuaa's dunk was called with the last 56 seconds of the game. The San Miguel Beermen were trailing 97-96 when Tautuaa attempted a dunk to take the lead. The ball went in, but the call was not immediately announced.
According to PBA Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro, this is considered basket interference. He explained, "When the offensive player pulls the ring or the board shakes and the ball goes in, it's a violation." On replay, it was seen that Tautuaa pulled the ring down after the dunk, so it was not allowed as a point.
The Technical Committee only made a decision in the last 13 seconds of the game, because that was the only time there was a dead ball. Castro added, "Even if there is no dead ball immediately, we can still change the call if there is a violation such as goaltending or interference."
Castro also explained when a dunk is considered valid: "If the ball goes in before touching the ring, it's okay. But in this case, there is a pull on the ring before the ball goes in." He also clarified that this is according to FIBA rules, and not just a PBA rule.
The controversial call was crucial to the outcome of the game, as the Beermen missed out on the lead. In the heat of the Finals, the call and how it affected the game became even more controversial.
