PBA admits ‘faulty decision’ on Reavis’ timeout late in Game 1

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Upon review of its technical committee, the PBA on Saturday admitted that there should’ve been a stepping violation called against Magnolia center Rafi Reavis late in the Hotshots’ 105-103 Game 1 victory over San Miguel in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Magnolia held a 105-103 margin with six seconds left in the game when Reavis grabbed the defensive rebound off Alex Cabagnot’s missed triple when he called for a timeout upon landing on the floor.

Replays, however, showed Reavis’ right foot went beyond the baseline.

In a statement posted on its website, the “best call” for the situation would’ve been out of bounds.

According to the statement, lead referee Rey Montoya said that he heard Reavis call for a timeout before stepping on the baseline.

Montoya’s judgment call, however, won’t be reversed after the technical committee’s review.

“Unfortunately, the ref’s judgment call is not reviewable during the game, under our rules,” the PBA said. “Based on the review of the video, it appears to be a faulty decision.”

“We have to remind our refs to be more circumspect in making the calls, so as to avoid crucial wrong calls.”