Jeric, Jeron Teng take sibling rivalry to next level

MANILA, Philippines — When the buzzer sounded for the last time in the semifinals and University of Santo Tomas emerged as winners, there is one man who is not from Espana, who is as thrilled as the rest of the yellow-clad crowd inside the Mall of Asia Arena: Jeric Teng’s brother and soon-to-be finals adversary, Jeron.

When both the Growling Tigers and De La Salle University barged into the Final Four, many anticipated if the Tengs will bring their sibling rivalry to the next level. And when the Green Archers punched their ticket to the final dance, that prospect seemed more and more likely to happen.

“Syempre happy ako dahil iyon ‘yung wish ng brother ko before ending his college career na makaabot siya ng finals and at the same time, marami pa ang games na magkakalaban kami,” the younger of the brothers said shortly after the Growling Tigers sent home National University, Saturday evening, September 28.

The Espana crew, facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage against the Ray Parks-led Bulldogs, survived the series to become only the first 4th-seeded team to beat the top-seed in the history of seniors basketball in the UAAP. The win also formalized their return to the finals, but this time, they will be going up against Ateneo’s archrival, La Salle.

Jeron, who spearheaded the Archers’ campaign in the crucial last few games, was all praises for his brother’s team.

“The team was very composed talaga from what I saw tapos they were making their outside shots and ang defense talaga they were solid.”

Brotherly love

Despite entering two different schools which possessed once-upon-a-time the most heated rivalry in the league, the Tengs assure the hostility of the UAAP remain inside the hardcourt. In fact, before UST entered their third do-or-die game this season, Jeron gave Jeric a bit of advice.

“I told him to give all it because it might just be his last game,” the Archer shared.

When asked who’s wearing yellow and who’s wearing green in their family come the finals, he said that Alvin and Susan will be wearing neutral colors. The siblings however have this little ritual of not talking to each other every time they have a game against one another. This time though will be a totally different scenario.

“Hindi na ako uuwi sa bahay,” Jeron jokingly told the press.

Back to business

In Game 2 of UST’s semifinal series with NU, the older Teng, who is set to graduate after this year, topscored for UST with 19 markers. Jeron on the other hand, also top scored for La Salle in their win against Far Eastern University on September 25 with 15 points on top of 10 rebounds and 6 assists as he also knocked down decisive free throws in end-game.

READ: La Salle enters UAAP finals

Entering the Final Four with their respective teams on their shoulders, all eyes would be on Jeric and Jeron as they try to be the new UAAP champion after 5 seasons.

Jeron admitted that ending FEU’s season early has brought them a bit of an advantage entering the Finals.

“Malaking bagay na naka-rest kami ng one week but I don’t know what’s going to happen, bukas pa lang kami bibigyan ng gameplan.”

The sophomore off Taft Avenue says he is unfazed and ready whoever defends him on the court for the last two games in Season 76.

“Ineexpect ko si Kevin Ferrer, knowing Kevin naman, you know sobrang parang pang-asar talaga. Syempre kami ng brother ko di rin maiiwasan na magbantayan talaga kami,” Jeron said.

On October 2 and 5, expect fireworks at the Big Dome as La Salle and UST revive that intense 90’s rivalry and try to set up an era in the premiere collegiate basketball league in the country. – Rappler.com