Chot Reyes out for TNT in PBA PH Cup Finals decider vs. SMB

Chot Reyes has entered the PBA's health and safety protocols. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--In what could be TNT's biggest game so far this PBA season, the team's head coach would be watching it at home instead.

Coach Chot Reyes was ruled out for Game 7 of the Philippine Cup Finals against San Miguel as he entered the PBA's health and safety protocols.

It was a tough blow for the Tropang Giga, who blew their chance at clinching the championship on Friday night in Game 6 after the Beermen mauled them to force the deciding match.

Reyes' son Josh, listed as the Tropang Giga's first assistant coach, will take over for them as the interim coach.

Chot Reyes was also absent during Games 2 and 3 of the series, but that was due to his Gilas Pilipinas duties.

Sandy Arespacochaga took over for TNT as Josh Reyes also had his own national team matters, but the team lost both games after taking the series opener, pushing SMB to a 2-1 lead.

The Tropang Giga won the next two games with Chot Reyes back, but in Game 6, the Beermen built a huge lead that the former found difficult to overcome.

The deciding game is ongoing as of posting.

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