MANILA -- Multi-titled Far Eastern University started its second round campaign in the 74th UAAP men’s basketball tournament on the right foot, posting back-to-back wins to keep its fight for a semi-final seat alive.
And this was made possible through the leadership and experience of RR Garcia, the 21-year-old prized find from Zamboanga City.
The reigning Most Valuable Player proved his worth in the last two games when he delivered clutch baskets to keep the Tamaraws in the hunt.
Garcia averaged 19.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a steal in last week’s couple of games, enough to earn his first ACCEL-3XVI UAAP Press Corps Player of the Week honor backed by Gatorade.
Last August 18, University of the Philippines is seemed on track to bag its third win in the eight-team tournament but Garcia, who scored 18 on a seven-of-eight shooting in the last canto, spoiled the Maroons’ celebration.
The Tamaraws, whose last lead was seen in the first quarter, downed the Maroons, 59-53.
Garcia’s fourth quarter explosion tied the biggest single quarter scoring of a player since Jayvee Casio did the trick in 2008 when the current national team member led La Salle past the University of Santo Tomas.
In Sunday’s nailbiting victory, the 5-foot-10 Garcia saved the Tamaraws anew from the jaws of defeat after he finished with 14 points against the second-running Adamson Falcons.
So far, the Tamaraws are only a game behind the Falcons (7-3) with a 6-4 win-loss slate. (Sunnex)