MANILA, Philippines–San Miguel Beer center Mo Tautuaa was visibly and justifiably frustrated after Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday night.

TNT escaped with a 99-96 win after squandering a 24-lead lead to draw first blood, but the game was not without controversy.

HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 1 – TNT vs San Miguel

With the Beermen holding a slim 98-97 edge in the dying seconds, an official review of a jump ball between Chris Ross and Jordan Heading led to the referees overturning a dunk by Tautuaa at the 56-second mark of the fourth quarter.

“I’m mad but I don’t want to get fined so I’m not going to say much on it. You all saw the play that I’ve seen a lot of times and I don’t agree with the call,” said Tautuaa.

“That’s the exact opposite of right call. Let us decide the game [ourselves]. It’s simple.”

Jordan Heading and Chris Ross scramble for a loose ball during a play that led to the reversal of Mo Tautuaa’s dunk late in the fourth during the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 1. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: PBA Philippine Cup Finals – San Miguel vs TNT

Tautuaa and the Beermen’s frustration was understandable. After all, they were in the lead until that decision made by the officials in the last 11 seconds of the game.

In the end, the Beermen’s huge comeback effort was wasted as the Tropang Giga took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

‘THAT WAS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF A RIGHT CALL’

Mo Tautuaa airs his side on the basket interference ruled to him late in the fourth quarter. #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Lh7Av2u39I

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 13, 2025

San Miguel Beer officials including team governor Robert Non had to be restrained after the buzzer after they continued questioning the referees for the overturned call.

Tautuaa ended up with 10 points, seven rebounds and two assists in the defeat.