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Tanduay, Racal try to inch closer to Top 2 against separate foes

PBA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Tanduay and Racal take on different opponents on Tuesday night in their respective quests to get the twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup semifinals.

The Rhum Masters square off with the Mindanao Aguilas at 4 p.m., while the Tile Masters take on the Blu-Malaysia Dragons at 6 p.m., both at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Tanduay actually needs the victory more as they came off a 95-108 defeat to Phoenix last week that dented their hopes for a Top 2 finish in the eliminations, which will be rewarded with the semifinal incentive.

But for Racal coach Caloy Garcia, this is also a must-win for his squad.

"We know we have to be in the top two to get an advantage and the players know our situation. We can't let others control our destiny so we just have to win as much games as we can," he said.

Mindanao and Blu-Malaysia, on the other hand, have their backs against the wall as a loss for them, in which the former's defeat is equivalent to a Tanduay win, will officially eliminate them from semifinal contention.

Recent history, however, is against their side as the Aguilas remain winless after seven outings while the Dragons were dealt a devastating 62-point crushing by the Tile Masters on June 21.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno