UAAP: No Teng, no problem as UST improves to 4-1

(Updated 8:29pm) Jeric Teng, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers' second lead scorer, was held out of the game due to an MCL sprain, but his absence barely registered, as the team romped all over the University of the East Red Warriors, 85-69, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, in the 75th season of the UAAP. "Eto ang masarap na hindi kayo pinag-uusapan sa simula ng season, tapos mananalo kayo," said UST coach Pido Jarencio after the game. "Tuloy, walang pressure sa aming mag-perform." The Tigers, who led by as much as 25 points without Teng, drew a 17-point, 19-rebound effort from Karim Abdul. Kevin Ferrer added 16 points, while Aljon Mariano tallied 12 markers. Reserve wingman Louie Vigil, who was inserted into the starting unit, notched 13 points as well, a career-high, which led to Jarencio commending his bench players' contributions in the blowout. "Breakout game ng mga bench players namin na nag-step up dahil wala si Jeric," he said, citing Ed Daquioag and Vigil. The duo combined for 19 points in 26 minutes. With Vigil and Kim Lo given the nod to start in this game, the pair responded promptly by scoring the Tigers' first five points at the rim. A two-ball by JR Sumido put the Warriors on the scoreboard, but Karim Abdul returned the favor with a lay-up on the other end. Vigil scored anew in transition to impose a 9-2 lead for UST. Ian Valdez scored UE's next four, followed by two triples from JR Sumido in a 10-4 run for the the Warriors. Abdul then scored his fifth and sixth points with under two minutes in the quarter to put some distance from the Warriors, 15-11.   That was as close as the Red Warriors would get however, as UST opened the second period with a 17-4 run that made it 32-16, 3:59 left in the period. Only the reinsertion of marquee player, point guard Roi Sumang, after a lengthy sit on the bench, stemmed the tide, as he scored five points with two minutes left in the second. Vigil and fellow reserve Janrey Garrido scored UST's last four, but UE's Chris Javier scored on a put-back play before the clock ran out to ease their deficit, which stood at 41-23 after two quarters. Late in the second quarter, Sam Razon injured his knee while getting back in transition. He was brought out of the arena on a stretcher during halftime for immediate medical attention. Sumang split at the line when play resumed, but UST capped six unanswered points with a triple from Kevin Ferrer. UE, however, recovered and played solid defense over the next three minutes, denying UST any points from the field. On the other end, Sumang and Santos added three apiece in a 10-0 run for the Warriors, 47-34. Melo Afuang interrupted the run with a deuce with under four minutes to play. Kevin Ferrer drilled two triples in a closing 11-6 run for the Tigers, but Roi Sumang beat the buzzer from downtown to trail 60-43 heading into the payoff period. The Warriors matched UST nearly basket for basket in the fourth quarter. Bong Galanza scored seven of his ten points in the period, but UE drew no closer than 15 points. The Tigers obliged in the scoring duel as Abdul and Mariano combined for 20 points for UST down the stretch. UST made 34-of-72 attempts from the field, or 47 percent, against a 22-of-59 clip, or 37 percent, from the Warriors. UE had a miserable game from the free throw line, making only 17-of-32 tries. Only Abdul and Fortuna played more than 22 minutes in the game, but despite playing deep into their bench, the Tigers tallied 23 assists. UST also thrived in the open court, outscoring UE 18-7 on fastbreak points. They also converted 20 points off 22 Warriors turnovers. JR Sumido led UE in scoring with 20 points. Roi Sumang added 13 points and four assists, while Bong Galanza offered 10 points for UE. The Tigers improved to 4-1, and have not lost a game since the season opener. They close out the first round with games against UP on Wednesday, and Adamson next week. UE on the other hand, stayed winless after five outings. They’ll still be seeking their first win on Wednesday, when they play Adamson. - AMD, GMA News The scores: UST 85: Abdul 20, Ferrer 16, Vigil 13, Mariano 12, Daquioag 6, Fortuna 5, Pe 4, Lo 3, Bautista 3, Afuang 2, Garrido 1, Tan 0, Hainga 0 UE 69: Sumido 20, Sumang 13, Galanza 10, Santos 9, Javier 7, Valdez 3, Mena 3, Hernandez 2, Flores 2, Duran 1, Alberto 0, Belleze 0, Villarias 0, Razon 0, Duncil 0 Quarter scoring: 15-11, 41-23, 60-43, 85-69