UAAP: 'We know how hard he worked throughout the season' says Jeric Teng of teammate Aljon Mariano

King Tiger Jeric Teng defended his under-fire teammate Aljon Mariano, who drew considerable flack online for his poor play in UST's Finals game three loss to the DLSU Green Archers.

The UST Growling Tigers lost game three of the UAAP Finals 71-69 in overtime last Saturday, allowing DLSU to claim the crown.

In an interview on News to Go, Teng said that he was able to talk with the forward, who is set to return for the Growling Tigers next season, saying, "Sinabi ko sa kaniya, wag mo na lang pansinin yung mga nagba-bash. We know, our team knows how hard he worked throughout the season. He battled through injuries."

He said Mariano's missed attempt at a game-winner at the end of regulation was simply basketball, pointing out, "If he made that shot, you're the hero. If you miss it, you're the villain."

to my beloved thomasians pls stop cursing aljon,dnt blame him ako na lng pls. win or lose we r one!!

— pidojarencio (@pidojarencio1) October 13, 2013

Teng's words joined that of the Tigers' head coach Pido Jarencio, who tweeted the day after the game, "to my beloved thomasians, pls stop cursing aljon, dnt blame him ako na lng pls. win or lose we r one!!"

Off a timeout, Jeric Teng inbounded the ball to Mariano with six seconds left, but instead of giving the ball back to Teng, Mariano opted to take a shot against Green Archer Norbert Torres that missed, sending the game into overtime.

"Siguro ngalang kasi kumpiyansa iyon sa sarili," said Teng of Mariano's attempt. "Because he was able to hit some big shots nung ibang games. I trust Aljon."



Mariano earlier told GMA News in a text message that he had been injured throughout the season, and would need surgery on his ankle to deal with bone spurs.

Later on, on the final play of overtime, Teng found himself inbounding the ball again with two seconds left to play, this time to an even more unlikely player, center Karim Abdul, whose three-point try to win the game also missed.

When asked if he was okay with the final possession, Teng said, "It's the decision of my coach, coach Pido, and I respect him. Siguro nagtiwala siya sa akin, na ako ang beterano sa team, na hindi ako magtuturnover. Siguro yun yung pananaw niya. Unfortunately, di namin na-shoot."

Teng's father, PBA legend Alvin, who was also being interviewed, added that in past UST games there had been instances of turnovers off inbounds and so Jarencio likely opted for his team's best passer. "Nung time na yun, crucial time, so si Jeric, binigay ang inbounds kasi magaling siya mag-pasa."

Jeric however has put the game behind him, and now has the PBA in his sights, saying, "My plan is to enter this year's draft." - AMD, GMA News