JERON Teng erupted for 20 points as La Salle survived San Beda’s late rally to hack out a 61-56 win and stay unbeaten in three games in the Elite Eight of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) yesterday at Ynares Sports Arena.
Teng buried half of the Green Archers’ 10 points in the final quarter to help quell the furious San Beda rally that sliced La Salle’s 51-37 advantage to just five, 56-51, going into the last five minutes.
“San Beda played very good defense,” said coach Juno Sauler after his defending champion Archers remained as the only unbeaten team.
Far Eastern University also banked on a second-half run to drub Arellano, 84-72, for a 1-1 record.
Mac Belo sparked the Tamaraws’ third-quarter tear to finish with 23 points while Mike Tolomia took charge in the fourth period by scoring nine of FEU’s first 12 points that widened the gap to 15 points, 73-58.
“I think they came out wanting to play,” coach Nash Racela said after his Tamaraws atoned for a 74-88 loss to University of San Carlos in Cebu.
Tolomia added 16 points, while Carl Bryan Cruz contributed 15 and seven rebounds.
Thomas Torres, who’s regaining his old form after a foot injury sidelined him for most of the UAAP season, also figured in the Archers’ run to finish with nine points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The scores:
First Game
LA SALLE 61—Teng 20, Torres 9, Mbala 9, Rivero 7, Tratter 5, Pascual 3, Bolick 2, Montalbo 2, Salem 2, Muyang 2, Mustre 0.
SAN BEDA 56—Amer 14, Adeogun 11, Tankoua 9, Dela Cruz 8, Mendoza 8, Koga 4, Soberano 2, Sara 0, Tongco 0, Abatayo 0, Presbitero 0, Mocon 0.
Quarters: 15-20, 32-32, 51-37, 61-56
Second Game
FEU 84—Belo 23, Tolomia 16, Cruz 15, Pogoy 7, Jose 7, Ri. Escoto 5, Tamsi 3, Orizu 3, Denila 3, Trinidad 2, Iñigo 0, Lee Yu 0.
ARELLANO 72—Jalalon 26, Holts 14, Salado 12, Nicholls 5, Gumaru 5, Tano 4, De Guzman 3, Cadavis 2, Enriquez 1, Salcedo 0.
Quarters: 14-22, 33-35,61-56, 84-72