Jeric Teng (light/informatics) vs Marlon Gomez and Elliot Tan PBA D-LEAGUE IMAGE / Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Accustomed to winning, Jeric Teng finds himself in an unfamiliar setting with Informatics in the PBA D-League.
Teng, who led the University of Santo Tomas to the finals in the UAAP Season 75 finals, was at a loss for words just moments after another setback for the Icons Monday.
“I have no words to describe our losses,” Teng told INQUIRER.net following Informatics’ 75-80 defeat at the hands of Jumbo Plastic Monday afternoon. “Yung ibang talo namin dikit, yung iba naman masama talaga, at least today we were in this game hanggang dulo.”
Informatics fell behind by 15, 49-64, to start the fourth quarter but came to within one, 75-76, on five unanswered points from Teng with still 1:31 remaining.
Teng though, missed two three-pointers with under a minute left – the first a hurried attempt with fellow UST star Aljon Mariano all over him and the second an open three in transition with about eight seconds remaining – that would’ve had the Icons playing their third overtime in six outings.
It was a bad shooting night for Teng, who went six-of-20 from the field, but nonetheless wound up with a game-high 21 points for his sixth consecutive game in double-digit scoring.
Unfortunately for Informatics, it also marked its sixth loss in a row to remain as the only winless team.
“I went to this team because I really want to be confident, puro talo nga but I’m still proud of my team kasi mga teammates they always give there all and dito talaga ako natuto magsipag,” added Teng, who is averaging a league-best 21.8 points per game.
Things will only get tougher for the Icons as they have yet to face formidable teams in defending champion NLEX, EA Regen and Big Chill.