Teng, Fortuna key Tigers’ win over Eagles in PCCL semis

MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas earned some payback as they thwarted UAAP Season 75 finals tormentor Ateneo De Manila University, 76-66, in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Final Four round at the Fil-Oil Flying V Arena in San Juan today.

The Growling Tigers’ backcourt tandem of Jeric Fortuna and Jeric Teng showed the way for the UAAP finalists, conspiring in pivotal plays that helped UST pull off the victory.

Teng powered the team with 22 points while Fortuna sank a back-breaking trey at the heart of the Blue Eagles late charge to extend their lead, 73-62, with 1:24 left in the game.

UST preserved the win in the final moments with Ateneo coming up short in their final rally in the rematch of the UAAP Finals.

"Masaya ako sa effort ng team. Si Fortuna, na-control niya ang game. Si Teng, na-dominate niya at si Karim (Abdul) nakuha niya ang laro niya pero it was a total team effort,” said UST head coach Pido Jarencio.

UST dominated in the hustle department as they grabbed a staggering 48 rebounds, including 15 in the offensive end, compared to only 28 boards from Ateneo.

Nico Salva delivered 13 points while Kiefer Ravena, Greg Slaughter and Oping Sumalinog chipped in 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Blue Eagles.

UST tied San Beda atop the standings with identical 1-0 win-loss cards while Ateneo joins SWU with a 0-1 slate.

Ateneo will tangle with SWU while UST and SBC will vie for the top spot in the single round-robin semis affair.