Racal, Tanduay clash in crucial showdown

MANILA, Philippines – Racal tries to firm up its hold of the lead while Tanduay seeks to stay in the hunt for No. 2 as they clash today in a key PBA D-League Foundation Cup matchup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The Tile Masters leaned on Philip Paniamogan’s late triple to upend the Phoenix Accelerators, 90-88, last Tuesday and grab the overall lead with an 8-2 card.

But the Rhum Masters are also coming off a thriller of win, nipping the Café France Bakers, 75-74, on a buzzer beater of a triple by the comebacking Kevin Ferrer, Monday.

That makes their 6 p.m. duel worth watching with the Tile Masters bent on staying on top and the Rhum Masters out to fuel their own drive for the No. 2 spot and a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.

“Tanduay’s win over Cafe France put everyone on the same place, so everybody still has a chance to be 1 or 2,” said Racal coach Caloy Garca. “But if we win one of the next two games, I believe we still have a chance.”

A Racal win could also boot the Rhum Masters out in the tight race for the top two spots but the latter remains confident of its chances coming off a four-win run.

Meanwhile, Cafe France hopes to likewise stay in the race for the top two slots as it tangles AMA Online Education at 4 p.m.?

With a 3-5 card, the Titans need to sweep their last four games and hope that either from Café France, Tanduay and Phoenix won’t go over seven wins to force a playoff for the last semis berth.