Jeron Teng had a near-perfect send-off before joining Mighty Sports in its Dubai International Basketball Tournament campaign, going three assists shy of a triple-double as the AMA Online Education Titans turned back the Victoria Sports-Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions, 88-80, Monday afternoon at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The former DLSU Green Archers forward carried his side with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as the Titans bagged their fourth win in six games.
Juami Tiongson also made his mark, taking over in the fourth period as he unloaded 14 of his 22 markers in the period, while also hauling down four boards.
It wasn’t an easy win, though, for AMA, as it lost hold of a 20-point advantage, 57-37 in the third frame and saw it cut down to as low as six, 86-80 with 20.3 seconds left.
Tiongson, however, made the game-clinching freebies to secure the win for the Titans.
“Di naman kami totally umaasa kay Jeron. May iba pa rin dyan like Juami and PJ [Barua] na kasa mag-contribute para sa amin,” said coach Mark Herrera.
AMA’s resolve will be tested next week when it plays Blustar Detergent without Teng, who will be with Mighty Sports for a week in Dubai.
The game ultimately went down to free throws as AMA went 16-of-19 from the charity stripe compared to 10-of-18 for Victoria Sports.
Robbie Herndon topped winless Victoria (0-4) with 24 points on 27 shot attempts, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Aris Dionisio had 23 markers, 17 boards, and three blocks.
AMA will next face Blustar on February 21, Tuesday, 3:00 PM at JCSGO Gym in Cubao, while Victoria Sports will play JRU this Thursday, February 16, 3:00 PM at the Ynares Arena in Pasig.
The Scores:
AMA (88) – Tiongson 22, Teng 18, Bragais 15, Arambulo 9, Alabanza 7, Flores 6, Barua 4, Riley 3, Jumao-as 2, Taganas 2, Carpio 0, Jordan 0, Macaranas 0, Malones 0.
Victoria Sports-MLQU (80) – Herndon 24, Dionisio 23, Grimaldo 10, Lao 9, Mag-isa 6, Koga 5, Nicholls 3, Bitoon 0, Butron 0, Ragasa 0, Sorela 0.
Quarterscores: 17-15, 46-37, 69-53, 88-80.
