TNT Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes believes his second-quarter technical foul served as the catalyst for their 111-103 win against Rain or Shine in their PBA clash on Wednesday night.
Reyes was penalized early in the second quarter for stepping onto the court to argue a call while his team trailed 31-20. Rain or Shine had just established a 14-point lead—its largest of the game—when Reyes was slapped with the technical.
Following the incident, Rain or Shine momentarily extended the lead with a jumper from Anton Asistio. But from that point, TNT’s offense began clicking, fueling their rally and eventual victory.
“When I got my technical foul, I think that’s where we made a run,” said Reyes. “Rain or Shine was playing really well. They were not missing any shots and we couldn’t make a basket in the first quarter.”
Despite the win, Reyes voiced frustration with the officiating, citing inconsistency in how similar actions are penalized among coaches.
Initially hesitant to explain the technical foul during the post-game press conference—saying “baka ma-fine ako”—Reyes eventually criticized what he called a “double standard” in the league’s officiating.
“Sinasabi ko, there are games when the other coaches, Tim Cone, they cross, nandoon na sila sa technical committee, bakit hindi nila ma-technical?” said Reyes, referencing incidents involving Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
Reyes also clarified that he did not curse at officials during the altercation.
“I think what he got was a warning. I told the referees, ‘Akala ko puwede rin sa akin ‘yun? Hindi ako nagmura. It was a deadball. And I didn’t go half as far as the other coaches did. I was just there, medyo nasa halfcourt ako. But I expected at least a warning.”
He continued by pointing out inconsistencies in officiating protocols.
“What I was lamenting is the double standard. If they say bawal magreklamo at bawal pumasok, bawal pumasok maski sino ka. Basta pumasok ka, technical foul ka. I’ll accept that. But if the others can do it, and then sa akin, hindi puwede? That’s where I draw the line,” Reyes added.
While the technical foul raised questions about league enforcement, it coincided with a momentum shift that ultimately led to TNT’s win—something Reyes was more than happy to take along with the victory.
