UAAP: Teng scores 18 as La Salle holds off defending champion NU

De La Salle University bench celebrates as Jeron Teng (21) scores on what proved to be the game-sealing basket in the Green Archers’ win over the National University Bulldogs Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

De La Salle University fended off a furious National University fightback in the fourth quarter to win, 67-63, in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Jeron Teng scored 18 points to lead the Green Archers, who led majority of the game but needed to outplay the Bulldogs down the stretch.

“We had to come out really strong. We knew NU, being the defending champion, will give us a good fight and they proved themselves even in the fourth quarter when they got back. So I just told everyone to be ready for today’s game,” said DLSU head coach Juno Sauler.

La Salle saw its 15-point third quarter lead cut to just one, 60-59, with under two minutes left before Teng, the Finals MVP two seasons ago,  delivered the game-sealing basket, 64-59, with 23.6 seconds remaining.

“A win is a win and for me it doesn’t prove anything yet. We’re going to continue to learn every game,” said the fourth-year forward Teng, who scored 10 of his points in the second half.

Jason Perkins added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds while highly-touted rookie Andrei Caracut, who started, made quite a first impression with 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field for La Salle.

Gelo Alolino led the Bulldogs with 16 points, nine coming in the fourth period, that went with six rebounds while Jay Alejandro had 15.