RR Garcia was the surprise leader for the Phoenix Fuel Masters as they barged into the win column after beating the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Wednesday, March 14.
With Phoenix ace Tyler Tio still nursing an ankle injury, the Fuel Masters needed to rely on the other cards on the deck against Terrafirma in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
RR Garcia answered the call.
The 34-year-old turned back the clock and put up a vintage performance in Phoenix's 94-78 win over the Dyip at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Wednesday, March 13.
The Phoenix playmaker was at the forefront of the Fuel Masters’ late-game onslaught that saw them outgun Terrafirma, 30-14, in the fourth quarter to claim their first victory after a 0-2 start to the conference.
Garcia finished with 20 points, including the last four that sealed the win for the win-starved Phoenix.
Even more impressive was he dished out a career-high 10 assists.
“Ang sa’kin lang kasi, wala si Tyler, eh. Kailangan kong mag-step up as a veteran dito sa team,” said Garcia, who averaged five points, two assists and one rebound in Phoenix's first two outings.
But the former UAAP MVP is not making a big deal out of his recent feat.
After all, the goal is to win, regardless of which player scored the most points or doled out the most assists.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi, siyempre, kailangan namin ng panalo. Pero sana, tuluy-tuloy na,” he said.
With Tio expected to sit out more games, the grizzled Garcia needs to continue holding the fort for Phoenix.