College rivals Kiefer Ravena, Jeron Teng mesh well in rare team-up

 

Fueled by the rivalry of their respective schools, Ateneo phenom Kiefer Ravena and La Salle star Jeron Teng are used to battling each other behind a sea of blue and green.

 

But in the All-in Basketball Charity Game against the Ball Up Streetball All-stars team coached by NBA legend Allen Iverson on Wednesday, Teng and Ravena pushed their rivalry aside as they found themselves on the same side of the court.

 

"Akala ng lahat ng tao it's all business when it comes to both of us," said Ravena, who added that there is deeper story of friendship between him and Teng.

 

"Siguro 'yung mga tao lang ginagawan ng issue 'yung La Salle-Ateneo," Teng agreed.

 

Ravena and Teng showed a surprising connection inside the court, dishing out assists to each other and scored identical 16 points to propel the Filipino team coached by Tim Cone to victory.

 

"Actually nasanay naman na kami kasi nung RP team kami 'yung magkasama e," said Teng of their performance. "Alam na namin kung paano maglaro 'yung isa't isa."

 

Before becoming collegiate rivals, they competed together in the U-18 national team which finished fifth in the 2010 FIBA Asia Championship before they played for Ateneo and La Salle in the UAAP seniors.

 

"Iba rin 'yung may pinagsamahan kami," Ravena said. "May hardships kaming pinagdaanan sa RP team namin, 'yung mga talo, 'yung mga glorious moments."

 

The two players are rising stars of their generation, with Ravena winning UAAP Season 77 Most Valuable Player trophy and Teng being named finals MVP when La Salle bagged the championship last season.

 

"Sarap kalaro yan si Jeron lalo na ngayon. Sarap rin nung feeling na makakalaro mo 'yung rival mo," Ravena said.

 

The truce, however, was short-lived, as Teng said they will be meeting as rivals on the court again soon.

 

"Exhibition lang naman to e," he said. "Magkakalaban pa rin kami next time." — JST, GMA News