There was much anticipation when the TNT Katropa met the Globalport Batang Pier on Sunday evening to open the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
For the first time, Terrence Romeo and 2015’s first overall pick Mo Tautuaa were donning different jerseys. However, it seemed that the two squads are age-old rivals, as things got chippy between both sides. The contest saw numerous fouls called, a handful technical fouls slapped, and a whole lot of extra curricular motions.
“It’s nice that the PBA is allowing some level of physicality, but if it gets to a point where players intentionally hurt each other, then we should all question that,” rued TNT head coach Nash Racela after TNT’s 128-114 win. “I feel there were really unnecessary actions in some possessions, that I think the Commissioner [Willie Marcial] has to look at, so that we and the fans will be able to enjoy the game more.”
One of the unnecessary motions occured late in the game and involved Tautuaa.
With 2:41 remaining and TNT up by 118-103, the 6-foot-8 Tautuaa soared for a jam with TNT import Jeremy Tyler underneath. Tyler was caught by Tautuaa’s leg and tried to hold on to it. However, the Filipino-Tongan did not take too kindly of it, kicking Tyler with his other knee, resulting in his ejection.
“Yeah, it was… you know, some guys play differently around the world. Dunking in China, put your feet in my face? Where I come from, that’s very disrespectful,” recalled Tyler, who once played for the Golden State Warriors.
“But you know, I kept my head [cool], nobody got hurt, we’re up by 18, I have no worries.”
“Yeah, if they’re gonna hold my feet. What am I supposed to do? Let them just hold my feet?,” pleaded Tautuaa, who had 10 points and seven rebounds in his debut with the Batang Pier. “If I came here and you saw me grab your feet, you don’t want me to do that. Whatever. It is what it is, you know. They know who they want to protect. Whatever is going on.
“Obviously, it wasn’t me, they wanted to protect him and now, I’m in trouble.”
The 28-year-old big man shared that resentment did not play a factor in the incident, as he was even seen mingling with his former teammates during the first game. For him, the game itself was nothing special.
“I didn’t care. It doesn’t matter to me at all. It’s another game, basketball game, and that’s all that is,” he shared.
“Talk N’ Text is just another team, another roster now. You know, it’s basketball.”
