PBA Finals: Chot Reyes slams freethrow disparity in Game 5 loss
TNT Tropang 5G’s coach Chot Reyes during Game 5 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals vs TNT Tropang 5G. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—TNT coach Chot Reyes once again took aim at the officiating after the Tropang 5G’s 100-95 overtime loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Friday night at Araneta Coliseum.
Reyes, who sarcastically described the officiating as “excellent” following Game 3, echoed the same sentiment after TNT fell behind, 3-2, in the best-of-seven series.
“Excellent officiating. 29 to 17 in free throws? You can’t beat a strong Ginebra team like that with the discrepancies in free throws,” said Reyes. “If the calls were a bit better then maybe we could have a chance [to win].”
The numbers backed up Reyes’ frustration at the free-throw line.
TNT converted 11 of its 17 attempts from the charity stripe, while Ginebra knocked down 22 of 29 free throws.
The foul count, however, was much closer. TNT was called for 29 fouls, while Ginebra committed 26.
Despite his criticism of the officiating, Reyes still credited the Gin Kings for overcoming a late deficit behind Justin Brownlee’s monster performance.
“JB scored 54. Give it to him. That’s a tough one,” he said.
Reyes and company look to stay alive on Sunday as Game 6 takes place at the same venue.
