TNT KaTropa head coach Nash Racela. PBA IMAGES
TNT coach Nash Racela opted to hold back on his thoughts after the KaTropa’s loss to the San Miguel Beermen in Game 6 of the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Saturday.
Racela, who was fined P20,000 for his “special treatment” comment after Game 4 by San Miguel, was obviously reserved when he faced the media at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think it was a very well-officiated ballgame and we want to deal with this defeat professionally,” said Racela when asked about his thoughts on TNT’s 104-88 defeat that paved way for a Game 7 on Monday. “So we go back to the drawing boards, review, and make our adjustments.”
READ: Beermen stay alive, force Game 7 vs KaTropa
The KaTropa didn’t have the services of starting forward Troy Rosario, who missed the game due to his wedding. TNT also played without its superstar guard Jayson Castro in the final seven minutes due to an apparent injury, although it remains unclear what specific injury.
Castro asked to be subbed out midway through the fourth quarter and did not return.
“I don’t know yet,” Racela said when asked why was Castro taken out of the game.
But one thing’s for sure, the absence of Rosario and Castro in the latter part of the game were crucial.
Minus Rosario, TNT got outrebounded, 57-46. The Beermen also had 22 second chance points while the KaTropa only netted 11.
Another factor that Racela decided not to discuss was the free throw disparity which has been a trend in the series.
San Miguel shot 41 free throw attempts, 16 more than TNT’s.
Game 7 is on Monday and Racela expects nothing less from both teams.
“Yeah, do-or-die. We expect both teams to go all out.”