TNT mulls protesting game vs SMB but opts to move on

TNT gave up 35 fouls leading to 40 SMB free throw attempts against only 19 SMB fouls and 18 TNT charity tries. (Photo: PBA)

MANILA — TNT KaTropa made an initial intention to put its game against San Miguel Beermen on Monday night under protest.

Team manager Virgil Villavicencio made the KaTropa’s plead known by signing the score sheet to signify the intent.

Villavicencio and head coach Nash Racela declined to give comment on what led them to the said move, but the foul and free throw discrepancies could be clues on the real reason.

TNT gave up 35 fouls leading to 40 SMB free throw attempts against only 19 SMB fouls and 18 TNT charity tries.

Renaldo Balkman made a living from the foul stripe the entire game, having 16 attempts, almost equalling the KaTropa’s total free throw attempts, and converting 14 of them.

Later Monday, however, Villavicencio said that the plan has been shelved off.

“Hindi na itutuloy (It won’t push through),” he relayed through text.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said that if the KaTropa opted to push through, they would have until 12 p.m. on Tuesday to submit a formal letter.

But with the plan now aborted, the Beermen’s 121-110 comeback win has been officially locked in.

Both teams will meet again in Game 2 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series on Wednesday night.