TEAM captain Jeric Teng starred anew for UST as the Growling Tigers outclassed Arellano University, 83-73, to advance to the semifinals of the Filoil Flying V Pre-season Cup at The Arena in San Juan last June 3.
Teng unloaded six of his game-high 23 points, including a pull-up jumper and two charities, in the payoff period to stretch UST’s lead to 15, 78-63.
“Our win was more on experience. We’re starting to peak and see our direction [in the UAAP],” coach Pido Jarencio said.
After subpar performances in the last three games, Karim Abdul finally made his presence felt with 18 points and 14 boards for the Tigers.
Guard Nard Pinto and John Bangga combined for 23 markers for Arellano.
Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag ignited a 10-2 run for the Tigers, 58-49, on a long two and an and-one play heading into the final period.
Playing sans their main gunner James Forrester, the Chiefs tried to rally via John Bangga’s trey and low-post basket, but Ferrer’s put-back halted Arellano’s surge for good, 74-63.
In his squad’s duel for a quarterfinals seat against Emilio Aguinaldo College last May 31, Teng erupted with 27 points and six rebounds. He missed two crucial free throws with 2.6 ticks remaining, but UST still escaped with a 76-75 win.
The Generals almost stole the win, but John Tayongtong missed a breakaway layup with 10.7 seconds left and a heave from half court as time expired.
Teng got much from Aljon Mariano, who chipped in 16 markers and nine boards.
UST started to take over in the last canto and outscored the Generals, 25-17.
Igee King steered EAC with 17 points and five rebounds.
