BIGGER ROLE FOR RR
Sophomore guard RR Garcia has been a revelation for coach Koy Banal in Barako Bull, even with the bigger responsibility of tending the backcourt chores as part of the starting unit.
So far, so good.
Garcia dropped 16 of his 22 points in the second half, spearheading Barako Bull’s 92-87 win over NLEX to formalize their entry into the quarterfinals.
The former FEU Tamaraw rebounded from a scoreless first quarter, and poured it on in the second half.
“Grabe yung tiwala na binibigay ni coach. Kailangan ako yung mag-lead sa loob ng court, kami yung magseset ng tone eh,” he said.
“Kailangan ko bumawi nitong huli kasi scoreless ako nung first quarter. Ginawa ko lang yung dapat kong gawin.”
Name it, Garcia did it in that final minute. Grab an offensive rebound to keep a possession alive. Score against the outstretched arms of Road Warriors’ defenders. Block a crucial shot in the end. He did it all just to preserve the win.
“Kailangan eh. Sayang yung pinaghirapan namin kung matatalo kami, kaya sabi ni coach, ibigay na namin lahat,” Garcia said.
Barako Bull thus secured a seat in the playoffs with a 4-6 card, and he just hopes that the Energy will continue winning in the most important phase of the tourney.
“Sobrang hirap para sa amin para makaabot dito. Grabe yung pinagtrabahuan namin sa practice,” he said, looking back at that 0-5 start. “Ipagpapatuloy lang namin yung magagandang ginagawa namin.” (RL)
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