Jeron Teng propelled the Flying V Thunder to a scintillating 86-84 conquest of 20176 Aspirants’ Cup champion Cignal HD Hawkeyes, Thursday evening to cap opening day in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The La Salle forward drained a tough leaner over the outstretched arms of Raymar Jose and completed the and-one play with 4.3 ticks remaining to cap off the improbable fightback of the Thunder after being down, 77-69 in the last 4:04 of the game.
“Jeron knew that we needed him to be our go to guy. The boys didn’t want to lose the game and he carried us during that crucial play. It was a big play for us,” said coach Eric Altamirano.
Teng fired 33 points, four rebounds, and three assists in his debut with Flying V.
Thomas Torres added 16 markers and eight boards, while Gab Banal had 11 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the win.
Cignal still tried to steal the game, but Jason Perkins fumbled the ball late as the Thunder escaped with the victory.
Perkins led the Hawkeyes with 22 points and four rebounds, while Jose registered a double-double of 19 markers and 14 boards in the losing effort.
Flying V looks to build on this win when they face Gamboa Coffee on Monday, June 5. Cignal, on the other hand, takes on another contender in Tanduay on Thursday, June 1.
The Scores:
Flying V (86) – Teng 33, Torres 16, Banal 11, Thiele 8, Tampus 6, Webb 5, Colina 4, Salamat 3, Austria 0, Canada 0, Gamboa 0, Mendoza 0.
Cignal (84) – Perkins 22, Jose 19, Raymundo 14, Villarias 7, Potts 6, Cahilig 4, Arboleda 3, Sara 3, Atkins 2, Bringas 2, Sumalinog 2, Arong 0, Bartolo 0, Batino 0.
Quarterscores: 20-23, 41-42, 59-64, 86-84.
