Injured sophomore guard Tyler Tio reminded everyone how good of a player veteran sentinel RR Garcia is.
“He’s a former UAAP MVP “ Tio told PinoyStep.com. “I see it everyday in practice. He’s a veteran in this league and I learned a lot just by playing with him everyday.”
Garcia, the nearly forgotten player out of Far Eastern University, stepped up big time and felt the need to fill in the void left by Tio as he finished with 20 points, 16 of them happened in the second half, to spark Phoenix Super LPG in arresting an alarming skid with a 94-78 triumph over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Philsports Arena.
The 5-foot-11 guard was more than willing to accept the challenge as he did practically everything in steering his team finally to the win column after three tries.
Garcia also contributed 10 assists to finish with a double-double game while also pulling down six boards.
Tio is sidelined for a few more weeks because of his injury.
“A few weeks more. The doctor said it would be around four weeks,” added Tio. “There was a slight avulsion fracture and sprain (ankle).”
But with the way Garcia performed to rejuvenate the Fuel Masters, Tio couldn’t wait to get back to action and team up with the veteran guard at the backcourt.
“Yes, can’t wait to get back for sure,” he added.
