Titans thwart Batangas 5 Teng sizzles as AMA shines

MANILA, Philippines - Jeron Teng lived up to his billing as the top pick exploded with 42 points to power AMA Online Education to a 101-95 victory over Batangas in the opener of the PBA D-League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig yesterday.

Teng, who helped steer La Salle to the UAAP championship last year, racked up seven straight points to give the Titans an 80-72 lead then canned in five free throws to secure the victory for AMA.

He finished with a 12-of-27 clip for the second highest output in the league history. James Martinez owns the record with a 58-point burst last Aug. 2.

“After the UAAP, this is the next step for me. I am one step closer to my dream which is the PBA. I am happy to be a part of a great team,” said Teng, who also had five rebounds and five assists.

“Every game, I just try to play my game. I have a lot to improve on.”

Teng waxed hot early on, pouring in 19 points in the first half as AMA surged to a 51-37 bulge at the turn.

Batangas, however, regrouped at the resumption, outscoring the Titans, 31-22, while holding Teng to a seven-point output to close within, 70-73, at the start of the fourth quarter.

But Teng teamed up with Juami Tiongson to star in a decisive 16-2 blast as the Titans pulled away at 89-72 with 5:15 left in the contest.

Batangas refused to give up and threatened in the closing minute but Teng took over again to foil the league’s newcomers.

“He was the one who carried the team. I just told him to play without pressure and just play his game,” said AMA Online Education coach Mark Herrera.

Tiongson, Ryan Arambulo and Mark Olayon provided able backup for Teng as they shot 15, 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Joseph Sedurifa led Batangas with 25 points while Carlo Fortu and CJ Isit combined for 18 markers.

The scores:

AMA 101 – Teng 42, Tiongson 15, Arambulo 13, Olayon 10, Taganas 6, Dario 6, Alabanza 5, Barua 4, Carpio 0, Jordan 0, Bragais 0.

Batangas 95 – Sedurifa 25, Fortu 18, Isit 10, Menor 9, De Joya 8, Ablaza 6, Sara 5, Dela Peña 4, Anderson 4, Revadavia 4, Laude 2, Mendoza 1, Inciong 0, Delfinado 0.

Quarterscores: 23-16, 51-37, 73-68, 101-95