Jeron says title win "bittersweet", feels for brother Jeric
For La Salle wingman Jeron Teng, winning the UAAP crown was a bittersweet experience, since it came at the expense of his elder brother Jeric.
As members of the Green Archers basked in the glory of winning the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball title following a classic 71-69 victory Saturday night at the jampacked MOA Arena, Jeron immediately strode towards the stunned Tigers bench and looked for Jeric, who–in frustration–walked out of the playing court.
And when they did finally meet up, Jeron gave Jeric one big hug.
“When the buzzer sounded, I really didn’t know what to feel,” shared Jeron, who was named the Finals MVP after an all-around Game 3 outing of 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists, the last setting up teammate Almond Vosotros for the go-ahead bucket with 19.7 ticks left.
“On one side, I’m happy because we’re champions. But on the other side, ‘yung brother ko, I feel his loss,” he added. Jeric and the rest of the Tigers blew their bid to go all the way for the second straight season. Last year, UST bowed to Ateneo in two games.
As eager as he is to revel in the Archers’ eighth overall title and their first since 2007, Jeron, 19, can’t help but feel sorry for his 22-year-old brother, whom he considered as “deserving to be the Finals MVP.”
“Siyempre ang hirap (mag-celebrate). My brother gave his all and played his heart out. For me, he’s deserving to be the finals MVP,” stated Jeron.
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Although feeling disappointed after failing to hoist the men’s crown in his five-year stint at the Tigers’ camp, Jeric still lauded how Jeron vastly improved since being named as Rookie of the Year last season.
“Mixed emotions rin. I’m very sad kasi last chance ko na ito (to win the crown). My college career is done,” he said. “But I’m also happy kasi si Jeron, ang laki ng in-improve this season. Grabe siya ngayong finals. ‘Yung defense namin naka-focus na sa kanya pero he finds way to be effective in scoring, passing and rebounding. Lahat ginagawa na niya. As a brother, I’m really proud of him. I know how much he wanted this game. He’s deserving to the the finals MVP.”
Jeric, who finished with 24 points, managed to drill in a tough fade-away shot over the diminutive Vosotros that put the Tigers ahead 69-67 with 34 seconds to go, only to be foiled by Jeron and the Archers.
“Breaks of the game lang talaga. We made some crucial mistakes nu’ng fourth and overtime. Talagang siguro hindi lang para sa amin,” Jeric said.
