Calvin Oftana believes that a foul should’ve been called on Justin Brownlee as TNT’s attempt to drag Barangay Ginebra into overtime in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals opener on Wednesday night fell short.
But at the same time, the Tropang 5G winger understands that it could’ve gone either way, given the limited amount of time left in the final possession of the match, as only six-tenths of a second were left for them to generate a play.
“Alam ko may foul talaga eh,” he told reporters moments after their 102-100 defeat at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Pero .6 seconds na lang ‘yung time eh. Talagang glimpse of an eye na lang ‘yung nangyari.”
Coach Chot Reyes was seen raising his fist signaling that a foul should’ve been whistled right after the Gin Kings import defended Oftana mid-air as the latter went up and tried to finish the inbound lob from Jordan Heading.
None of the referees called anything, and time expired, but the Tropa were clearly irate with what they felt was a non-call, with the champion mentor himself asking game officials before going to the league’s head of referees in Nol Quilingen.
It remains to be seen if the defending champions will put the game under protest, although Oftana would rather move forward and focus on Game 2.
“Ganun talaga, .6 seconds na lang ‘yun; ‘di mo na masasabi na talagang itatawag ng referee ‘yun eh. Move forward na lang and bawi next game,” said the 30-year-old, who finished with 12 points and six rebounds in the defeat.
The San Beda product refuses to pin the blame on that particular play as to why they lost, citing the poor start they got into, which saw Ginebra drain nine of its 13 triples in the first half before leading by as big as 18 early in the third.
“‘Pag ganun kasi, mga ganung bagay sa late-game, mas maiisip mo ‘yung first half namin eh,” the three-time league titlist recalled. “Ang sama rin kasi. Ang dami naming turnovers, they were making their shots. Credit to them.
“Kami naman, ang dami naming mali. ‘Yung unang pasok pa lang eh, first quarter, second quarter, ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-importante roon eh.”
