TNT Tropang 5G head coach Chot Reyes vs. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals. PBA Images.MANILA — Chot Reyes has been vocal about officiating throughout the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals — even more so after TNT Tropang 5G’s losses — and the outspoken mentor went at it again on Friday.
“Excellent officiating. Twenty-nine to 17 in free throws,” said Reyes, seemingly in a sarcastic tone, after TNT fell to Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 95-100, in Game 5.
READ: Brownlee fires career-best 54 to carry Ginebra to 3-2 Finals lead vs. TNT
In the games TNT lost — except for Game 1, when both clubs attempted 17 free throws — the Tropang 5G indeed attempted fewer free throws than the Gin Kings.
TNT had just 13 attempts to Ginebra’s 23 in its 102-116 loss in Game 3, then 17 attempts to the Gin Kings’ 29 in Game 5.
In those same games, TNT also attempted more three-pointers. The Tropang 5G went 11-of-29 from beyond the arc in Game 3 and 6-of-31 in Game 5.
On the flip side, TNT also attempted more free throws than Ginebra in both of its victories.
The Tropang 5G went 22-of-25 from the line in their 101-94 Game 2 win, while the Gin Kings shot 9-of-10. TNT then went 23-of-32 in its 106-98 Game 4 victory, compared to Ginebra’s 17-of-25.
Reyes, however, begged to differ.
“You can’t beat a strong Ginebra team like that, with the discrepancies in free throws,” he said.
“Kung gumanda lang ng konti [yung tawagan], maybe a little more parity in free throws, maybe we could have a chance.”
On the other hand, the longtime TNT mentor still acknowledged that Brownlee’s masterpiece was also a factor in their loss.
“Give it to JB. Tough one,” he said.
Reyes and the rest of the Tropang 5G will hope for things to swing their way once more on Sunday as they fight for survival in Game 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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