RR Garcia shows vintage form as Phoenix notches first win at Terrafirma's expense
At A Glance
- RR Garcia displayed his vintage form as Phoenix pulled away late in the final frame to pick up its first win in the 2024 Philippine Cup at the expense of Terrafirma, 94-76, at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, March 13.
RR Garcia displayed his vintage form as Phoenix pulled away late in the final frame to pick up its first win in the 2024 Philippine Cup at the expense of Terrafirma, 94-76, at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, March 13.

The veteran point guard was a key figure in the pivotal 16-2 run in the final period which allowed the Fuel Masters to establish a double-digit margin that they never relinquished until the final frame.
Phoenix also finally barged into the win column after opening the all-Filipino conference with a pair of tough losses against NorthPort and Ginebra.
Garcia orchestrated the offense for Phoenix in the absence of injured starting guard Tyler Tio with season-high 20 points, six rebounds and career-high 10 assists without a single turnover in 26 minutes of play.
Jason Perkins was favorite recipient to Garcia’s nifty passes to finish with 18 points on top of seven rebounds and five assists. Rookie Ken Tuffin added 17 points and nine rebounds while Larry Muyang also had 13 points.
The game was looking to be another grindout affair when the Fuel Masters held a close 76-73 lead midway through the final frame. Phoenix, behind Garcia’s command who actually notched his first career double-double, went on with the pivotal run that erected a huge 92-75 lead with 1:24 left.
Juan Gomez de Liano paced Terrafirma with 19 points while All-star guard Juami Tiongson finished with 16 points, six assists and five rebounds but committed seven turnovers.
Badly missed was the steadying presence of rookie Stephen Holt who, after a solid start in the conference, was out of commission for the Dyip who has now absorbed their second straight loss.