Jeron Teng had 21 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds to become the fourth player ever to register a triple-double as Flying V ripped AMA Online Education, 114-91, last night to secure an outright semifinals berth in the PBA D-League Foundation Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The La Salle star recovered from a 2-of-12 shooting in the first half and conspired with Eric Salamat to turn a tight contest into another runaway victory for the Thunder, who remained unbeaten after eight games.
Teng joined Ray Parks Jr., Mike Tolomia (who did it twice) and Kent Salado as the only players to produce a triple-double in the league’s six-year history.
“(Flying V) coach Eric (Altamirano) told me to be better kasi I’m turning pro to add dimensions to my game, and that’s what I did. For me, it’s a continuous learning experience for me, I just tried to get better each game,” said Teng, whose feat came despite a 7-of-24 shooting.
Salamat fired four of his seven threes in the third quarter to finish with a game-high 33 points for Flying V, which moved two wins shy of completing a 10-game sweep of the elimination round.
Earlier, Centro Escolar University overcame the absence of Rod Ebondo due to sickness a late rally by Gamboa Coffee to eke out a 100-96 win and enhance its quarterfinals bid.
Rich Guinitaran scored eight of his 24 points in the fourth quarter as the Scorpions recovered from losing a 16-point lead in the third to bounce back from Tuesday’s 91-79 loss to Flying V.
Patrick Aquino added 18 points, Orlan Wamar delivered 16 points, 11 assists and five rebounds and Mark Cruz chipped in 10 points and six rebounds for the Scorpions, who improved to 5-3 for joint fourth with Wangs Basketball despite playing sans Ebondo due to pneumonia.