Game 1 of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and TNT had all the makings of a classic—intensity, drama, and a furious comeback. But instead of being remembered purely for great basketball, the match has become the center of heated debate. A late-game decision by the officials erased what could’ve been a game-winning basket for San Miguel. And for veteran guard Chris Ross, the league’s explanation doesn’t quite cut it.

San Miguel was down by as much as 24 points before staging a thrilling rally that brought them within striking distance. In the final seconds, Mo Tautuaa threw down what looked like a go-ahead dunk after a missed shot. It sent the Beermen bench and fans into a frenzy. For a moment, it seemed like San Miguel had stolen the win. But that celebration was short-lived. After a review, officials ruled that Tautuaa’s hand made contact with the rim while the ball was still in the imaginary cylinder above the hoop, calling it offensive basket interference. The two points were wiped off, and TNT eventually held on to win, 99–96.

The PBA later explained the call. They said it was a “dead-ball situation” following Ross’s jump-ball win, which meant the officials had the right to review the play. According to the league, this justified their decision to reverse the basket. But not everyone is convinced—and Chris Ross is clearly one of them.

Ross, usually one of the most vocal players on the court and in post-game interviews, declined to speak after Game 1. His silence said a lot. He’s been in this league for years, seen his share of tough calls, and yet something about this one didn’t sit right with him. It’s not just about the technical rule—it’s about how that call came at such a crucial point, shifting the entire momentum of the game.

From the perspective of many fans and analysts, the replay footage wasn’t conclusive enough to overturn the basket. Yes, Tautuaa’s hand may have grazed the rim, but did it really affect the ball? Couldn’t the original call have stood, given the high stakes and uncertainty? Those questions are still hanging in the air.

More importantly, the timing of the decision left a bitter taste. San Miguel had fought tooth and nail to get back into the game, showing the kind of heart and grit that makes playoff basketball so compelling. To have it all come down to a rulebook technicality feels, to many, like a letdown—not just for the team but for the fans who were hoping to see a thrilling finish decided by the players, not the referees.

For Ross, who has been in these situations before, the frustration seems deeper. Just last year, he held his tongue after a controversial foul call in another crucial game. He’s learned when to speak and when to stay quiet, but this time, his silence may be louder than words. It’s a sign that trust in the process—or at least how it was applied in Game 1—may be wearing thin.

As the series continues, the incident will likely remain a talking point. While TNT leads 1–0, the pressure is on both teams to move past the controversy. For Ross and the Beermen, it’s about channeling that frustration into fire. If there’s one thing fans can expect, it’s that Ross will respond—not necessarily with words, but with the kind of performance that’s made him a respected leader and a fierce competitor.

Game 1 may be over, but the story is far from finished. And as Chris Ross showed through his silence, sometimes what’s not said speaks the loudest.