UAAP: It's healthy that we're being compared to each other, says Jeric of brother Jeron

Jeric Teng admitted that he and his younger brother Jeron are happy that they're being compared, saying, "Kung may sinabi na mas magaling siya [Jeron], I will be competitive. Talagang gagalingan ko pa. At the same time, siya rin. So medyo healthy sa amin yung kino-compare din kami."

Jeric, of the UST Growling Tigers, and Jeron, of the De La Salle University Green Archers, find their sides deadlocked at 1-1 in their best-of-three UAAP Finals series. The duo spoke to GMA News TV's News to Go on Monday, and also admitted that after an in-game scuffle in game one of the series, things were tense between the two brothers for a while.

"Nagkainitan," Jeric said. "Tinulak ko siya tapos bumawi siya, tapos nagkainitan."

"Medyo nainis ako, hindi dahil kuya ko siya, kahit sinong player naman,"  Jeron added. "Pero it's normal lang naman sa basketball. We were battling for the rebound kasi so naging physical."   

The two had a stare-down in game one last Wednesday, which UST won 73-72.

"Nung game one, medyo after the game, 'Ba't mo ginawa 'yun?'" Jeron said.

"First time namin na nag-away after [ng] game," Jeric admitted. "First time na nangyari sa ilang beses naming napaglalaban so medyo hindi kami nagkasundo after the game."

"Pero after a while tinawanan namin 'yun," Jeron finished.

The brother pair added that their parents did their best to stay neutral. "Sinasabi lang nila to give our best and they'll be happy. It's God's will na whoever wins," Jeron said.  

Jeric also said La Salle became more aggressive in game two, which allowed the Green Archers to even their series at one game apiece, thanks to a 77-70 victory. "Nag-relax kami kasi 1-0 kami. But coming into game three, we'll be really prepared for them.

"To all the Thomasians out there, don't lose your trust sa team namin. We're really preparing for game three and I think we have a chance to get that championship back."

Jeron, on the other hand, said, "Sa mga supporters ng La Salle, thank you for supporting us. I hope you continue to support us on Saturday, and we really promise to give our best and try to make the La Salle community proud."

Game three is set for Saturday at the MOA Arena. - AMD, GMA News