Teng fires game-winner as La Salle nips Ateneo

By Josiah Albelda Posted Sep 1st 2013

Silent the entire game, the King Archer ascended to the throne when it mattered the most.

Jeron Teng nailed a floater with 1.9 seconds left to power De La Salle University to a 66-64 win over bitter rival Ateneo de Manila University in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the eyes of almost 17, 000 people fixated on him, the sophomore forward drove hard to the lane and threw an arching shot over the outstretched arms of Chris Newsome that found the bottom of the net.

"Everyone saw it," said coach Juno Sauler after the game. "We just have to get the ball to Jeron. I told him to get focused. Make a good decision."

Teng struggled throughout the game, making one of just four field-goal attempts and missing five of his attempts from the free-throw line as the Blue Eagles' defenders did a good job containing him.

But he wouldn't let his team down when they called upon him in the endgame, striking the dagger right into the hearts of thousands of Ateneo fans at the venue.

"Syempre, sa second round, every game is crucial," Teng said. "We have to give 100%."

The Archers trailed for most of the game, before finally gaining the hold of the lead in the final quarter as Almond Vosotros sizzled.

Vosotros scored nine of his team-high 19 points in the fourth quarter, scoring seven straight points in a run that pushed La Salle up, 57-53, with 5:24 remaining.

The Eagles failed to retake the driver's seat since then but managed to tie it at 64-all after a tough basket by Kiefer Ravena with 11 seconds remaining.

The win propelled the Archers to solo third place with a 7-4 record and now sit just half-a-game behind Far Eastern University (8-4) for the second spot.

"With the standings of other teams, it's a close fight," Sauler added. "It's a close race going into the last games. Every game is important."

Jason Perkins helped out with 13 points and a game-high 15 rebounds while LA Revilla added 11 markers and seven boards for La Salle.

On the other hand, Juami Tiongson paced Ateneo with 14 points and Nico Elorde and Ravena added 13 and 12 markers, respectively.

The Scores:

La Salle 66 – Vosotros 19, Perkins 13, Revilla 11, Teng 8, N. torres 6, Van Opstal 4, Montalbo 3, Salem 2, Tampus 0, Reyes 0, De La Paz 0, Bolick 0.

Ateneo 64 – Tiongson 14, Elorde 13, Ravena 12, Buenafe 9, Newsome 8, Pessumal 4, Golla 2, Erram 2, Tolentino 0, Enriquez 0, Capacio 0.

Quarters: 13-16, 31-33, 46-49, 66-64.