Still alive: RR Garcia heeds call as Phoenix stays in playoff chase

MANILA, Philippines – Phoenix suddenly pumped life into its playoff bid after a stretch of painful losses.

RR Garcia took over in the fourth quarter as the Fuel Masters broke through in the PBA Governors’ Cup, squeaking past Blackwater, 119-114, at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 15.

Garcia dropped 16 of his 20 points in the final frame to help Phoenix post its first win after a dreadful 0-7 start to the conference and stay in the hunt for the last quarterfinal berth in Group B.

It was his way of answering the call of Fuel Masters head coach Jamike Jarin, who offered apologies to the entire franchise for their winless spell.

“Yesterday, coach requested us for a win today. That has been the only thing on my mind. I made that my motivation,” said Garcia in Filipino.

Import Brandone Francis also proved steady in the endgame, churning out a near triple-double of 23 points — including a pair of free throws with three seconds left that gave Phoenix enough separation — 10 rebounds and 9 assists.

The Bossing gave themselves a shot at stealing the win after a Sedrick Barefield four-pointer cut their deficit to 114-117, but Francis sank his foul shots for the final tally.

“We were frustrated in the first seven games because almost all our games, we were in it. And then eventually, finally, we got a win tonight,” said Jarin.

“I take full responsibility for all those losses. My apologies to everybody, especially to the Phoenix organization and to the players. We got over the hump. We will work harder for our next game.”

Jason Perkins made his presence felt for the Fuel Masters with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Ricci Rivero and rookie Kai Ballungay put up 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Import George King netted 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss that dropped Blackwater to 3-5 — a major blow to its playoff hopes.

The Bossing recovered from a dismal 0-3 start by winning three straight games but have since lost back-to-back matches.

Barefield fired 30 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists in the losing effort, while James Kwekuteye had 20 points and 6 rebounds.

The Scores

Phoenix 119 – Francis 23, Garcia 20, Perkins 19, Rivero 14, Ballungay 12, Tio 7, Ular 5, Tuffin 5, Jazul 4, Soyud 3, Manganti 3, Muyang 2, Salado 2, Verano 0, Alejandro 0.

Blackwater 114 – King 32, Barefield 30, Kwekuteye 20, Rosario 10, Escoto 10, Ilagan 4, Chua 3, Suerte 3, David 2, Micthell 0, Casio 0.

Quarters: 30-29, 64-47, 90-78, 119-114.

– Rappler.com