MANILA, Philippines – Former FEU ace guard RR Garcia was on hand in FEU's 65-60 win Sunday over defending champion La Salle to take the twice-to-beat advantage entering the Final Four phase in the 77th UAAP men’s basketball tourney at the MOA Arena.
Garcia commended the effort of his former teammates and praised them for their resilience in the face of adversity.
"Sobrang saya ko kasi grabe yung pinakita nila ngayon. Kasi last year ganun din nangyari, DLSU kalaban namin. Bumigay kami pero sila pinakita nila na gusto talaga nila manalo," said Garcia, who now plays for Barako Bull Energy in the PBA.
"Last year humabol din sila sa amin. Bumigay kami. This year, di sila bumigay kaya masaya ako para sa kanila," added the former UAAP Most Valuable Player.
The Zamboanga native also pointed out the team effort displayed by the Tamaraws, who were ousted by the Archers in last year's Final Four.
"Ang maganda sa kanila lahat sila nag ste-step up kasi tulong-tulong sila. Hindi lang isa or dalawa lang ang naglalaro," said Garcia.
And what should the Tamaraws need to do to win the next game, which would catapult them to their first Final appearance since 2011?
"Dapat mag-stick sila sa game plan ni coach Nash (Racela). Pag sinunod mo yun parang ito, nanalo sila. Pag nagkanya-kanya sila, walang mangyayari," he said.
The Tamaraws will start their semis duel with the Archers on Saturday, September 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena.