Teng near triple-double, Tiongson takeover lift AMA past Victoria

Jeron Teng

Jeron Teng went three assists shy of nabbing a triple-double as AMA Online Education repulsed Victoria Sports-MLQU, 88-80, Monday in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

The star forward anchored the Titans to their fourth win in six games with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

It was a fitting send-off for Teng, who will miss AMA’s game against Blustar Detergent next Tuesday as he will play for Mighty Sports in the 2017 Dubai Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Teng had a lot of help in the victory, with Juami Tiongson taking over late and pouring 14 of his 22 markers in the fourth quarter where the Titans had to fend off a last ditch rally from Victoria Sports.

“We relaxed in the latter part of the game,” admitted coach Mark Herrera as AMA lost hold of its 20-point edge, 57-37, and saw that go down to as low as six, 86-80, with 20.3 seconds left.

Tiongson, though, would prove to be the thorn in Victoria’s side with his freebies sealing the win for the Titans.

“I just told my guys that we had to play and not be relaxed until the end,” Herrera said.

Robbie Herndon carried Victoria (0-4) with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Aris Dionisio tallied 23 markers, 17 boards, and three blocks.

The Scores:

AMA 88 – Tiongson 22, Teng 18, Bragais 15, Arambulo 9, Alabanza 7, Flores 6, Barua 4, Riley 3, Jumao-as 2, Taganas 2, Carpio 0, Jordan 0, Macaranas 0, Malones 0.

VICTORIA SPORTS 80 – Herndon 24, Dionisio 23, Grimaldo 10, Lao 9, Mag-isa 6, Koga 5, Nicholls 3, Bitoon 0, Butron 0, Ragasa 0, Sorela 0.

Quarters: 17-15, 46-37, 69-53, 88-80.