Clutch Teng powers La Salle past NU

By Josiah Albelda Posted Sep 8th 2013

Call him Mr. Clutch.

Jeron Teng came up big in the clutch for the second straight game as De La Salle University roared back to beat National University, 57-55, in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jeered in the past because of his failure to make baskets in crunch time, Teng silenced haters this time as he sparkled when the Green Archers needed him the most.

Trailing 43-52 with barely five minutes left, La Salle leaned on Teng’s nerves of steel and the sophomore forward delivered, scoring eight of the team’s last 14 points, including the go-ahead shot with 46 ticks remaining on the clock.

With Teng leading the charge, the Archers went on an 11-1 run to snatch the lead from the Bulldogs, who controlled much of the match before withering in the end game.

The reigning Rookie of the Year fired 21 points and hauled down seven boards, making eight of 13 free-throw attempts to help La Salle tie its victims on the top with a 9-4 record.

“I just told myself to do what I do in practice and make those free-throw shots,” said Teng, who has drained 47.6% of his charity attempts this season. “If I can make them in practice, then I can make them during games.”

The Archers will face University of Santo Tomas in their final elimination round game on Saturday. hoping to nail one more win to seal a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.

“My aim is to just keep on winning every ball game,” said coach Juno Sauler, whose wards have won their last six outings. “Our aim is t come out with a better mindset, better mental toughness.”

Jason Perkins anchored the Taft-based squad with 18 points -- 12 in the third period – and 10 rebounds while LA Revilla and Arnold van Opstal combined for 11 points, 14 rebounds and six assists.

Reigning MVP Ray Parks had a scorching start but floundered in the end to finish with 19 markers, five boards and three blocks even as Gelo Alolino stepped up with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists.

NU will play Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday to wrap their elimination round campaign up.

The scores:

DLSU (57) – Teng 21, Perkins 18, Revilla 6, Van Opstal 5, Salem 3, Vosotros 2, Reyes 2, T. Torres 0, N. Torres 0, Montalbo 0, Bolick 0, De La Paz 0

NU (55) – Parks 19, Alolino 15, Villamor 7, Javillonar 5, Mbe 4, Rosario 3, Neypes 2, Rono 0, Khobuntin 0, Javelona 0, Alejandro 0

Quarters: 10-14, 25-31, 42-45, 57-55