PBA: RR Garcia makes up for Tyler Tio’s absence

Phoenix guard RR Garcia leads the Fuel Masters to their first win in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Tyler Tio’s absence left the floor general spot vacant for Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Enter veteran guard RR Garcia, who put on a statement game against Terrafirma in lieu of Tio’s absence due to an ankle injury.

“Tyler isn’t here so I needed to step up as a veteran in the team. We were down in the first half until our big men started to be open so I just passed them the ball,” said Garcia in Filipino after their 94-78 win over Dyip at Philsports Arena on Wednesday.

READ: PBA: RR Garcia steps up as Phoenix picks up first win, beats Terrafirma

“I didn’t really look for the points, I was just open so I shot it because I also needed to boost my confidence.”

Garcia tallied his first career double-double with 20 points and 10 assists with six rebounds to match.

His assists were also his career-high.

The former Far Eastern University standout said his performance wouldn’t come to fruition without coach Jamike Jarin’s trust.

READ: PBA: Phoenix guard Tyler Tio has a fan in Ginebra coach Tim Cone

“I really have to grab the opportunity that coach Jamike is giving me because he has trust in me so I’m thankful for him.”

But Garcia’s impact spans farther than inside the hardwood. As one of the veterans, Garcia hopes to show the Fuel Masters the proper way to play in order to win.

“I was also a rookie [like them], of course, as a veteran, I need to guide the rookies so every practice, I share my experienes with them [for improvement].”