In what appeared to be a showcase between former Far Eastern University backcourt partners, it was RR Garcia who came out on top, as he bested Terrence Romeo when the Star Hotshots outlasted the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 105-102, on Sunday.
Challenged by his famed former running mate, Garcia stepped up to the plate and gave the fans a show of a lifetime, hitting clutch shots and making big plays in the endgame to give the Hotshots their breakthrough win in the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Siguro na-challenge lang ako kasi si Terrence, talagang scorer yan,” he said.
“Kahit ma-stop mo siya, titira pa rin ng titira yan. Hindi titigil yun.”
Finishing with 26 points on an efficient 11-of-13 clip, alongside four rebounds, the Zamboanga City native reminded everyone why he is an ex-UAAP MVP, as he slowly gets his bearings in Star.
Even Romeo agreed that what everyone saw on Sunday is just a glimpse of what Garcia can do.
“Alam ko naman na capable si RR gawin lahat ng ginawa nya kanina. Pag magkalaban kami, lagi namang shootout eh,” said Romeo, who himself finished with 27 points, six rebounds, and six assists for GlobalPort in the defeat.
Garcia noted that what had made this duel different from their past ones could be the relentless defense he had put on Romeo, which was boosted by the duo’s familiarity with each other.
“Kahit nung sa Phoenix pa lang ako, ako na yung bumabantay sa kanya kasi alam ko rin naman yung laro nya at alam nya rin yung laro ko,” he said.
“Binigay ko lang yung best ko para sa team, na kaya ko bantayan si Terrence.”
Contrary to the public’s assumption, both Garcia and Romeo have made it clear that there’s no axe to grind between the two of them.
“Pagdating sa court, talagang siyempre laro muna. Sa labas naman ng court, magkaibigan kami. Nagkausap pa nga kami kanina.”
“Iba yung magkaibigan talaga kami,” said Garcia.
Romeo added, “Ginagawa namin ‘yung best namin on the court. Wala namang problema yun. Off the court, magkaibigan kami.”
