Teng has an axe to grind with Javillonar, Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Aside from booking a return trip to the finals for a shot at a farewell title, University of Santo Tomas veteran Jeric Teng has an additional source of motivation when the Tigers duel No. 1 National U Bulldogs in the Final Four of UAAP Season 76 hoops.

Teng’s misfortunes in an injury-plagued season happened in their two meetings with the Bulldogs in the elims. He suffered a shoulder injury after getting blindsided by Joeff Javillonar in their 67-71 loss last July 10, an injury that sidelined him for four games. He suited up in their second-round encounter last Aug. 24 but had to cut short his return after hurting his hamstring.

“Siempre motivated kasi dun nanggaling yung nang-injure sa akin (Of course I’m motivated because NU is the team of the player responsible for my injury),” Teng said with a smile.

“Pero syempre, wala na yun, hindi ko na gustong bumawi, gusto ko lang manalo, wala nang sama ng loob, basketball lang kami. (But it’s a thing of the past, I’ve buried the hatchet already. I have no intention of getting even; I just want to play basketball and win),” said Teng.

The 2009 Rookie of the Year awardee played only seven games in the tourney. He was back to his usual self in the semis-clinching 82-74 win over dethroned champ Ateneo, firing 17 points including five clutch freebies in the endgame.

He couldn’t help but shed a tear when the final buzzer sounded.

“Overjoyed. I’ve been through a lot talaga this season; ang daming nangyari. At ayoko pang maging last game ko na yun (I was so overjoyed. I’ve been through a lot this season and I didn’t want it to be my last game),” said the King Tiger.