UAAP: Tengs foresee two-game sweeps for their squads

In a press conference held by the Teng family, brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng both predicted two game sweeps in the Finals for their respective UAAP teams.

The De La Salle Green Archers leaned on Jeron Teng for some clutch baskets in their quarterfinals series against the FEU Tamaraws, and the sophomore swingman is confident after playing tough games against more established stars Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia.

Older brother Jeric, on the other hand, hopes to ride the high of the fourth-seeded University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers' upset series win against the top-seeded National University Bulldogs, to overcome the Archers.

Questions as to whether the rivalry affects their relationship were instantly quelled by the two. The brothers are usually spotted inside the game venues, cheering for the other with their parents and sisters.

They also do not have to ignore each other at home during the week-long series.

"Di naman muna ako sa bahay e. Dorm muna 'ko," said Jeron.

Parents Alvin and Susan Teng sat beside their sons in the press conference, stressing that the family is not picking sides.

"Basta ang sinabi ko lang sa kanila, ibigay lang yung best nila," said the Teng patriarch.

The brothers also admitted sharing tips to teammates as to how to contain their brother. In particular, one key match-up people are looking forward to is Jeron Teng against Kevin Ferrer.

Ferrer has been solid for the Tigers, scoring a combined 32 points in two games to defeat the Bulldogs. The former Tiger Cub then defended former league MVP Ray Parks, and this time, he is tasked to shadow Jeron Teng.

"Kevin knows how Jeron plays because they were teammates before," shared Jeric.

The younger Teng and Ferrer in fact represented the Philippines in various FIBA tournaments in high school.

The Tigers' tumultuous season was largely because of Jeric Teng's absence. His injury against the NU Bulldogs in the first round led to several missed games, requiring him to go to therapy for his shoulder. In that stretch, UST struggled to stay in the hunt for a spot in the final four. They ended up with an 8-6 win loss card for the fourth spot after crucial wins against the FEU Tamaraws and the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the second round.

In a short series that requires the players to be in their best shape, Jeric divulged that he is coming into the Finals with no injuries.

"Yes, I'm a hundred percent," said the fifth-year shooting guard

The younger Teng however believes that the championship is ripe for their taking. The Archer acknowledges his brother's need to win a championship for UST in his final year, but his desire to give DLSU a championship and cement his status as a King Archer proves to be more pressing.

"Ganito palang kaaga sabi ko sa kanya sorry na e," said younger brother Jeron, who is confident that his team can end DLSU's five-year title drought.

La Salle and UST split their elimination round encounters. In the first round, the Archers uncorked a 12-3 run in the final six minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime, before the trio of Karim Abdul, Jeric Teng and Aljon Mariano sealed the deal, 63-58. In the second round, DLSU leaned on clutch freeth rows from Almond Vosotros and Jeron Teng to escape with a 69-64 victory.

Jeron struggled in DLSU's first game against the Tigers with just 10 points, but he made up for it with a 19-point performance as his team swept the second round. Jeric led UST in the first game with 23, before settling for just 10 in the second. - AMD, GMA News