Racela, TNT still holding out hope for q’finals berth

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Every game matters, and that statement couldn’t be more true for TNT at this stage in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.

With TNT on the outside looking in at ninth place with their 4-6 card, coach Nash Racela rued the KaTropa’s missed chance to boost their campaign after falling to GlobalPort, 84-99 on Wednesday.

TNT started out flat, falling behind, 3-21, and saw the lead extend to as high as 30, 37-67, before playing catch-up all game long.

Racela felt that one factor which played a part in that early hole was the distraction brought upon by the trade which shipped Sidney Onwubere, Kris Rosales, and its 2018 first round pick to Rain or Shine in exchange for Jericho Cruz.

“I think it had an effect in our game because when I entered the dugout, the players’ faces were different. It was really a surprise to them. I talked to them right before the game and told them that the best way to deal with it is just be professionals. It’s part of the business,” he said.

The trade was only approved on Thursday.

Though Jayson Castro tried to bring the KaTropa back in the game and cut the deficit to just 10, 84-94 with 2:33 remaining, Racela understood why his side was unable to complete the comeback bid.

“GlobalPort’s lead was just too big. They really played well. They made their shots from the outside at the start, and they even made tough shots when we were making our run. It’s hard to make a comeback if that’s the case.

Racela knows there’s no more point in crying over spilled milk as he shifts his focus on TNT’s final game against NLEX on February 28 to give his side one last chance to make an argument in entering the quarterfinals.

“We still hold our fate because for us to be able to give ourselves a chance, we still need to win that last game,” he said. “If we lose that, we won’t be talking about anything. But if we still correct things and get one win, maybe that gives us some smallest of chances.”