Garcia, touted last year as a “veteran rookie” is filling the void left by former FEU star player Andy Barroca, he had four triples while taking charge of the team’s offense in the last three cantos. FEU head coach Glenn Capacio has said in the post-game interview that “He [RR Garcia] knows very well that the load of the team is on him already since Mark [Andy Barroca] left and I’m glad that the whole team gave their full support to RR. But on this game, he had a shaky start but on the second up to the fourth quarter he was fine already.”
The game has been sealed when Ateneo’s Nico Salva failed to endure FEU’s hard press in the dying seconds of the game as the Tams leaned on a hairline 70-69 score.
Reil Cervantes saved the last ball for FEU but was fouled, giving him the opportunity to perfect his foul shots and hand the Tamaraws its first victory against Ateneo since July 31, 2008. Ateneo last opening game loss, 78-60, against arch-rival De La Salle Green Archers in July 10,2005.
Below is a clip of the game’s last two minute
Note: We’re still in the process of uploading the full video
Also a video of FEU Cheering Squad’s first halftime performance for UAAP 73!
FEU (72) – Garcia 25, Cervantes 13, Ramos 10, Sanga 9, Bringas 8, Noundou 3, Romeo 2, Exciminiano 2, Mendoza 0, Knuttel 0, Cawaling 0.
ADMU (69) – Salva 14, Buenafe 13, Long 11, Dela Cruz 10, Escueta 6, Salamat 6, Monfort 3, Erram 2, Golla 2, Chua 2, Gonzaga 0, Austria 0.
Quarters: 11-15, 35-30, 51-52, 72-69
FEU’S next game versus NU Bulldogs – July 17 at Philsports Arena
