Ailing R.R. may not suit up vs DLSU

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U star R.R. Garcia spent the last two days in the hospital due to fever caused by allergic rhinitic and will still be evaluated if he can play for the Tamaraws’ next outing against De La Salle U tomorrow.

Garcia was confined hours after the Tams suffered their first loss of the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tourney, 58-59 to the National U Bulldogs, last Wednesday. The former league MVP torched the hoops with 20 points, including 2-for-2 from three-point area, even if he’s said to be ill already that day.

“He was confined two nights. Discharged today (yesterday),” confirmed FEU coach Nash Racela in a text message to The STAR.

Racela and FEU athletic director Mark Molina said Garcia’s availability for Sunday’s game depends on his fitness level.

“Not yet sure if he’ll be okay by Sunday,” said Racela. 

“FEU doctors will evaluate his fitness to play,” Molina said in a separate text message.

Meanwhile, Santo Tomas veteran Aljon Mariano reported that the injury he suffered in the Tigers’ 67-68 loss to University of the East was just a “normal sprain” and expects to be back for UST’s showdown with Ateneo on Wednesday.

“I’ll be able to play. I was just advised not to walk a lot so the swelling could subside,” Mariano said.