TNT KaTropa coach Nash Racela will try to use their disappointing defeat against defending champion San Miguel to build his team's confidence as they look forward to their last two games in the elimination round of the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
The KaTropa ended a difficult week with a 99-94 loss to the Beermen, their second straight after a 111-89 setback to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok last Wednesday. The back-to-back defeats dropped the Hotshots to fourth in the standings at 6-3.
"I think ang concern is how to get better as a team," said Racela. "This is the kind of game that will just make us better as a team. Ang importante is to get to the level where you are comfortable pag sa playoffs na.
"We identified that we need to play with a lot of energy and urgency. That's why we played better now (against San Miguel) as compared to Magnolia. That's the important thing we need right now. Hopefully that will make us better."
The sooner, the better for the KaTropa.
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Things are about get even more difficult for TNT as it takes on two teams in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
TNT plays Meralco on Friday before meeting solo leader Rain or Shine on July 6.
Rain or Shine is on pace to claim the first twice-to-beat bonus with an 8-1 card while Meralco is at third at 6-2 going into Sunday's match against 7-1 Alaska at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.(JT)
