RR Garcia posts double-double as Phoenix rises vs. Terrafirma for first win

RR Garcia turned out to be the surprise hero as Phoenix Super LPG broke out of its slump with a 94-78 win against Terrafirma in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.

Garcia posted a double-double outing of 20 points and 10 assists on top of six rebounds to help the Fuel Masters barge into the win column after a flat start to the season with a 1-2 card. The Dyip, meanwhile, fell to 2-2. 

Javee Mocon also rediscovered his form in the payoff period, pouring in all of his eight points in the fourth to power a 16-7 run that gave Phoenix an 80-73 lead. 

Garcia then sealed things up, knocking down back-to-back baskets to cap off a wild finish for the Fuel Masters that saw them unleash a 14-3 closing run. 

Aside from his eight-point outing, Mocon also delivered on defense with six rebounds, two assists, and four steals while Jason Perkins and Ken Tuffin registered 18 and 17 markers apiece. 

The Dyip, who were once on a roll with a 2-0 start, leaned on Javi Gomez de Liaño who churned out a team-high 19 points alongside five rebounds, two steals, and one assist to step up in the absence of Stephen Holt. 

Scores:

Phoenix 94 – Garcia 20, Perkins 18, Tuffin 17, Muyang 13, Daves 8, Mocon 8, Jazul 7, Rivero 3, Manganti 0, Alejandro 0, Verano 0.

Terrafirma 78 – Gomez de Liano 19, Tiongson 16, Camson 10, Alolino 8, Sangalang 8, Go 4, Carino 4, Mina 3, Ramos 2, Olivario 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 0.

Quarters: 19-16, 39-44, 64-64, 94-78.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News