Flying V gains semis on Teng triple-double

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Jeron Teng leads the Most Valuable Player race and intends to keep it that way as the former La Salle star dropped a triple-double to power Flying V past AMA Online Education, 114-91, in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena.

Facing his former team, the 23-year-old swingman became only the fourth player in league history to reach the rare feat with 21 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds.

Teng’s numbers helped the Thunder streak to an eighth straight victory and secure the top seed in the semifinals.

“We’re happy that we’re the first one to make it to the semis,” said Flying V coach Eric Altamirano. “In the first half, we were a bit shaky, we were so relaxed and were complacent, but the good thing is we got our game back in the third quarter.”

Teng joined the league’s triple-double club that only includes Ray Parks, Mike Tolomia and Kent Salado.

“Jeron has nothing to prove when it comes to his scoring, but the good thing is he’s showing that he’s a multidimensional player,” said Altamirano.

Eric Salamat captained his team’s three-point barrage for a game-high 33 points on a 7-of-11 clip from beyond the arc as Flying V made 20 of its 42 three-point attempts.

The Thunder trailed early at 2-18, but poured in 41 points in the game-swinging third frame.

Earlier, Centro Escolar University didn’t really need Rod Ebondo to slip past Gamboa Coffee Mix, 100-96, for a 5-3 record.

With the Congolese big man recovering from a battle with pneumonia, Rich Guinitaran stepped up for the Scorpions as he unloaded 24 points on a 6-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc.

“We really talked to him and told him that his confidence must start from himself,” said coach Yong Garcia of Guinitaran.

Orlan Wamar also added 16 markers on top of 11 assists and five rebounds.