Flying V survives Marinero scare, stays unscathed

Jeron Teng. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Jeron Teng came up big down the stretch to help Flying V escape with an 83-78 win over Marinerong Pilipino Monday in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Playing through flu, the former La Salle standout drilled eight of the Thunder’s final nine points, including a 15-foot jumper with 41.7 seconds to ice the victory and preserve the team’s immaculate 4-0 record.

“Jeron showed how professional he is. We got a shot in the arm when he entered and I’m really proud with how he took it upon himself and forced himself to play,” said Flying V coach Eric Altamirano.

Teng finished with 15 points, four rebounds and six assists off the bench to carry Flying V in the gutsy win.

Eric Salamat led the Thunder with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting from threes on top of six assists, while Hans Thiele notched a double-double with 15 points and 15 boards.

Aris Dionisio added 13 markers and seven rebounds, while Gab Banal got 12 points and four rebounds against his uncle Koy and father Joel’s squad.

Sluggish at the start, the Thunder fought back from 18-points down and fired a 16-2 run to get back in the game and cut the deficit to four, 35-31, in the second quarter before eventually seizing control in the third frame to set up the nip-and-tuck battle.

Julian Sargent paced Marinerong Pilipino (1-3) with 14 points and seven rebounds, while Mark Isip and Pao Javelona both chipped in 13 markers apiece.

The scores:

FLYING V 83 – Salamat 20, Teng 15, Thiele 15, Dionisio 13, Banal 12, Tampus 3, Torres 3, Webb 2, Cañada 0, Mendoza 0, Ongteco 0.

MARINERONG PILIPINO 78 – Sargent 14, Isip 13, Javelona 13, Lopez 8, Marata 8, Moralde 6, Alabanza 5, Iñigo 5, Javillonar 4, Publico 2, Gumaru 0.

Quarters: 13-28, 34-40, 64-59, 83-78.