Jeron Teng earned plaudits for the ‘pure guts’ he showcased that let San Miguel to even things out with Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday night.
The bruising winger fired 12 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter alone as he helped lead the Beermen’s strong finish toward the 93-84 victory, knotting their best-of-7 series against the crowd darlings at one game apiece.
Head coach Leo Austria himself felt impressed, especially with the kind of professionalism his ward has shown with his performances.
“What happened in the fourth quarter was pure guts mula kay Jeron, because in the first game, I was not able to use him because of some things in my mind,” he said shortly after the match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Austria did not field Teng back in Game 1 last Sunday, and the champion mentor himself admitted regretting that. Their lack of depth during that night led to a 99-90 defeat, and also snapped their 10-game winning streak.
“Guilting-guilty ako nung first game na hindi ko siya nagamit,” Austria said.
“And then after that game, kinabukasan sa practice, I told him be ready.”
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It initially appeared that the La Salle product was heading for another DNP until the coaches brought him in during the second half. He then went on to show that they made the right choice by submitting one of his better games this season.
Teng was key in helping SMB seize control for good. He scored eight in a 13-5 spurt, which inflated a one-point lead to 80-71 with 7:28 remaining.
“I have to appreciate him because he’s really a professional–no questions, no complaints,” Austria said.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, your time will come anytime.”
It did come on Wednesday night, and for the second-generation hooper, his outing was simply a result of him staying ready whenever needed.
“As a player, ang mentality ko right now is just being ready whenever my number is called,” said Teng, who also had five rebounds and three assists.
“I think sa game na ‘to, matured na ako. So I just focus on controlling what I have control of, and that is to be ready whenever my number is called.”
Even one of his seniors in Don Trollano, who came alive as well after being silent in Game 1 by chipping in 12 this time, gave Teng his flowers.
“Sobrang laking bagay ni JT, especially ‘yung game ngayon,” he said.
“Bilib din ako kay JT kasi nung Game One, hindi siya nagamit. He’s always ready.”
#WATCH: GUILTY NA GUILTY AKO NUNG FIRST GAME 🏀
San Miguel head coach Leo Austria admits feeling guilty for not fielding Jeron Teng in Game 1 of the #PBA50 semifinals #ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/pB5X4IkZ1U
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/WsBb6yC6ns
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) January 7, 2026
