The Phoenix Fuel Masters had a tough outing against the NLEX Road Warriors during their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup bout on Sunday night, August 25.
Despite trailing by 23, Phoenix had a valiant showing in the second half and even overtook NLEX in the fourth quarter.
Heading this fightback for the Fuel Masters was veteran guard RR Garcia.
“Masaya ako kasi nag-step up ako ngayon. Ang layo ng hinabol namin eh, pero sayang ‘yung chances pati ‘yung mga little na pagkakamali namin kanina,” the former Far Eastern University star told reporters at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Andun na kami eh, kinapos lang talaga,” continued Garcia, who had 18 points and four assists while also draining half of his shots from four-point country.
The Fuel Masters were even leading 95-94 late in the fourth, but unfortunately for them, Tony Semerad and Robbie Herndon hit back-to-back shots to seal the win for NLEX.
But it was not even supposed to be that way for Phoenix.
If not for Garcia’s 14-point explosion in the fourth, the game could have ended earlier than when it did.
“Hirap na hirap ako kasi halos buong fourth quarter ako nilaro eh, pero syempre, ako ‘yung mainit kaya grabe ‘yung tiwala ni coach Jamike [Jarin] at kaya ako ‘yung nag-take over,” said Garcia, who hit both of his 27-footers in the final frame.
“Sa akin naman, pina-practice ko naman ‘yun, at sinwerte na naka-shoot ako ng dalawa,” he added.
“Kumpyansa naman ako. ‘Di naman ako magdadalawang isip doon. ‘Pag libre ako, ititira ko.”
However, it was Jayjay Alejandro who attempted the quad shot when they needed to tie the game as they were down 99-95 in the dying seconds.
But despite this, Garcia saw no problem with his fellow former UAAP standout as well as his other teammates taking their turns when the opportunity arose.
“Sabi ni coach, balik sa akin ‘yung bola. Kaso nakadikit si Semerad, kaya okay lang ‘yun. Si Jayjay, titira at titira ‘yan basta libre siya,” explained Garcia.
“Sa akin naman, ako nagga-guide sa mga rookies and mga young players namin. Every practice ‘yun, tinuturuan sila, at nakikinig sa akin ‘yung mga bata.”
But if his number is called, Garcia assured that he is still ready to take charge and flex the skills that once won him a UAAP Most Valuable Player award.
“Pero kung kailangan ako sa loob, syempre, ako magte-take over,” he said. (ABS-CBN News)