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With a chance to make his first trip to the PBA semifinals, RR Garcia took matters to his own hands as he lifted San Miguel to a 98-91 conquest of Rain or Shine in their 2017 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal tiff on Sunday.
Garcia seemed hesitant at first, opting to pass up an open three as he tried to set up his teammates early. But a little prodding from the coaches and his veteran teammates Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot did the trick as the 27-year-old guard finally went out of his shell.
“That’s how we are in practice. They tell me that if I’m open, I have to shoot it. Nothing will happen if I miss. They are giving me their confidence,” said Garcia in Filipino.
Gun-shy no more, Garcia starred for the Beermen as he torched the Elasto Painters with 25 points on a hot 5-of-7 shooting from threes.
His explosion further affirmed how deep San Miguel is, and once again reminded every one that it is the team to beat.
Garcia also said that though the Beermen can bank on its starters, it is the bench guys’ role to sustain the momentum.
“We have to step up because we can’t just rely on our first group. The second group must also contribute so we can win,” he said.
As positive as Garcia is following his scintillating performance, he could only promise that he’ll do better as he breaks new personal grounds in the semis in search of his first championship in the pros.
“For me, I’m excited to play in the semis. I’ll increase my contributions for the team. We won’t be satisfied by just being there. We’ll work hard in practice and not be content,” said Garcia.