NOTHING personal.
That was University of Santo Tomas star Jeric Teng's reaction when asked about his shoving match with brother Jeron of De La Salle during Game One of the UAAP men’s basketball finals last Wednesday.
The two playing sons of former PBA player Alvin Teng tangled in the second quarter of the Tigers' 73-72 victory in the series opener as they tried to jockey for position for a rebound.
The older Jeric was seen holding on to the bigger and bulkier Jeron, who tried to keep his brother at bay with an elbow. The two ended up shoving each other during a deadball.
The scene ended with a staredown before referees stepped in and warned both players for second motion.
After the game, Jeric Teng said the heated skirmish was normal considering what is at stake in the championship series. He also believes that Jeron feels the same way, too.
“Katulad ng sinasabi ko, gusto namin parehas manalo,” said Jeric Teng. “Walang personalan ‘yun kasi finals na ito.”
Teng hinted that he held himself back during the exchange.
“Hindi ko na nga inaway eh. Normal lang na magkapisikalan,” said the fifth-year guard Teng.
Jeric Teng now has two chances to cap his collegiate career with a title starting with Game Two on Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Game Three, if necessary, is on October 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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