FEU's Aldrech Ramos (left) is blocked from behind by Ateneo's Chris Sumalinog during Game 1 of their title series in the PCCL Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City. (Photo by ALI VICOY)

Games Thursday (Ynares Sports Arena)
3:30 p.m. — Ateneo vs. FEU (Game 2, Finals)

With RR Garcia around, Far Eastern University can forget about Mark Barroca.

Playing with almost the same alacrity, shrpness, and creativity as Barroca, Garcia made all of his five attempts in the payoff period to help power the FEU Tamaraws to a 75-70 win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the start of their best-of-three title series in the 2009 Philippine COllegiate Champions League last Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Even FEU coach Glenn Capacio was happy with the way Garcia handled the pressure of being likened to Barroca who is a member of the Smart-Gilas national team.

But between the past and present stars of the team, Capacio picked Garcia as the more versatile.

"Pareho silang magaling, kaso si Mark (Barroca) is more of a two-guard. Si RR (Garcia) naman matalinong bata, ininvolve niya 'yung teammates niya at maganda ang attitude kaya wala akong masasabi kundi maganda ang patutunguhan niya," said Capacio.

Garcia finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting along with eight rebounds and five assists as the Morayta-based squad moved within a win of earning the title as the country's premier basketball squad.

The Tamaraws can clinch their third title in the tournament with another win this Thursday at 3p.m.

Though they have momentum on their side, Capacio isn't discounting a big comeback by the Eagles.

But he's confident that his charges will go all-out in order as they are seeking redemption following their stinging loss to University of the East in the Final Four of UAAP.

They have already avenged that defeat by beating the UE Warriors in the Final Four.

"Sana hindi magbago ang laro ng mga bata kasi kahit down sila nandun pa din ang character at intensity nila," said Capacio.

First Game:
SAN BEDA 91 — Tecson 19, Pascual 19, Gamalinda 18, Lanete 11, Solera 10, dela Rosa 8, Villanueva 6, Lim 0, Soliman 0, Caram 0.
SAN SEBASTIAN 85 — Aquino 20, Sangalang 12, Najorda 10, Raymundo 10, Pascual 10, Abueva 8, Maconocido 7, Bulawan 4, del Rio 3, Semira 1, Gatchalian 0.
Quarters: 24-24, 44-41, 66-63, 91-85.

Second Game:
FEU 75 — Garcia 22, Sanga 15, Cervantes 14, Noundou 12, Cawaling 10, Ramos 2, Guerrero 0, Exciminiano 0, Vinluan 0, Knuttel 0, Manalo 0.
ATENEO 70 — Reyes 18, Salva 14, Sumalinog 11, Baclao 7, Golia 6, Benafe 6, Salamat 6, Long 2, Chua 0, Austria 0, Monfort 0.
Quarters: 12-24, 37-39, 54-60, 75-70.