UAAP: Garcia, Romeo now learning how to play together, says Racela

RR Garcia FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – It’s no secret that the success of Far Eastern University lies on RR Garcia and Terrence Romeo and not one or the other.

And so far, with three games in, Garcia and Romeo have shown that they can coexist.

“It’s still a work in progress,” said FEU coach Nash Racela after his team held off UP 75-57 Sunday. “Natuwa ako noong naghahabol yung UP, kaya kami na-settle down because RR (Garcia) was calling a play for Terrence (Romeo) then pagbalik naman Terrence called a play for RR. They’re finally learning [how to play with each other].”

With UP threatening, Garcia and Romeo worked like hand in glove and took it upon themselves to put the game out of reach for good.

Romeo finished with a game-high 20 points and team-best 12 rebounds while Garcia ended up with 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists with each feeding off the hot hand.

Romeo set the tone with seven first quarter points and also ended it with another seven in the last period while Garcia stepped up his scoring in the middle two quarters including a 10-point third quarter where the Tamaraws’ lead ballooned to 29.

“The clincher was when Terrence found RR for the three,” Racela pointed out.

The play Racela recalled was when Romeo pushed the ball in transition, drove down the lane – attracting three defenders – before turning around in midair to kick it out to the wide open Garcia for the triple from the left wing.

Both guards had said that they will be different players this season and so far, the difference has their team atop the standings with a perfect 3-0 record.