MANILA, Philippines — Jeron Teng starred in a 14-3 windup as La Salle halted National University on its tracks, 57-55, Sunday to fill another spot in the final four of the UAAP season 76 men’s basketball tournament.
Teng nailed six points in the last 1:36 of the game including four crucial freebies as La Salle turned a 43-52 deficit to a 56-55 lead, also on his bucket, with 44.8 seconds to play.
“When I was making my freethrows, I just thought about the things I do in practice. Because I always shoot extra after [to improve],” said Teng.
Teng finished with a game-best 21 points, getting the better of Ray Parks — even in the final play as Parks misfired on a potential game-tie with Teng shadowing him.
In the battle of the hottest teams in the league, the Green Archers came out on top as they stretched their streak to six games while creating a three-way log jam at the top spot.
La Salle, NU and Far Eastern University are all tied with a 9-4 card as the end of the elimination round looms and the twice-to-beat incentives still up in the air.
According to head statistician Pong Ducanes, the Bulldogs hold the top spot, quotient considered, while the Green Archers and Tamaraws second and third, respectively.
NU, though, was held to a season-low 55 points with Parks scoring 19 of 8-of-20 shooting and Emmanuel Mbe struggling with just four.
NU is set to face Ateneo next Wednesday, while La Salle against UST on Saturday in crucial matches.