PBA Commissioner Chito Salud. PBA IMAGE/ Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – PBA Commissioner Chito Salud made it clear, Rafi Reavis’ defensive play that sealed San Mig Coffee’s win over Barako Bull was “not goaltending and was a legal play.”
Reavis tapped the ball out as it was bouncing on the rim before completing the defensive rebound in the waning seconds of the Mixers 92-91 thriller over the Energy Cola.
According to Salud, who issued a statement during the halftime break of the ensuing game between Alaska and Barangay Ginebra, the PBA has been adapting the FIBA rules wherein a player “whether defensive or offensive can swipe it (the ball) in or swipe it out” once the ball touches the ring.
“That’s exactly what happened in this case, Reavis swiped it out and that’s a good play,” Salud added.
“Basta tumama na yung bola sa ring pwede nang galawin,” Salud explained.