JERON TENG fired a game-high 20 points to power the Philippines past Saudi Arabia, 86-68, Wednesday at the start of the Asia Under 18 Basketball Championships in Sana’a, Yemen.
The 6-foot-1 Teng, son of former PBA player Alvin Teng, shot 73 percent from the field, grabbed five rebounds and pulled off five steals for the Filipinos, who matched group-mate China’s 82-48 rout of Syria later in the day.
Ateneo Blue Eaglets star Kiefer Ravena, son of another former pro Bong Ravena, added 11 points, three assists and six steals for the Filipinos being supported by Nokia Philippines.
The game was close in the first quarter, 22-21, but the Filipinos made their move after halftime when coach Eric Altamirano’s boys began to toughen up on defense.
“We neutralized them with our zone,” said Altamirano. “We were able to bother them with our pressing defense.”
The Philippines seeks a second win against Syria today.
Outplayed underneath the boards, 34-27, the Filipinos compensated with better team play as they issued a total of 19 assists, 11 more than the Saudis.
Jeth Rosario, the tallest among the Filipinos at 6-foot-7, contributed 10 points and one block while 6-4 Kevin Ferrer, 6-6 Russel Escoto and 5-8 Roldan Sara chipped in eight points apiece.
Ateneans Raphael Banal and Von Rolfe Pessumal finished with seven and six points, respectively.
Mathna Almarwani topscored for Saudi Arabia with 17 points.
Altamirano expects his wards to do better in the coming days as they get accustomed to the Yemen air.