John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

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PBA IMAGES14

Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767789129336PBA IMAGES14.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="San Miguel&#x27;s Jeron Teng goes for a layup in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals against Barangay Ginebra on January 7, 2026. PBA Images"/>San Miguel&#x27;s Jeron Teng goes for a layup in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals against Barangay Ginebra on January 7, 2026. PBA Images</div>MANILA – San Miguel Beermen head coach Leo Austria made up for his decision to not call up Jeron Teng during their first game against Barangay Ginebra.Austria utilized Teng in the second half of Game 2 on Wednesday, a move that ultimately lit the spark for San Miguel to level the semifinals series, 93-84.Teng led the bench mob for the Beermen, dropping 12 of his 13 points in the 4th quarter alone, earning him best player honors.In the postgame press conference, Austria admitted he felt guilty after not using Teng in the first game.&quot;What happened in the fourth quarter it&#x27;s pure guts para kay Jeron. Because in the first game I was not able to use him because of something on my mind,&quot; he said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/1/7/pba-san-miguel-ties-semis-series-after-fending-off-ginebra-in-game-2-1950">READ: PBA: Jeron Teng steps up, San Miguel ties semis series after fending off Ginebra in Game 2</a></div>&quot;I felt ano eh, guilty-ing guilty ako [sa kanya] nung first game na hindi ko siya nagamit in that game. And then kinabukasan nung practice I told him na be ready,&quot; Austria added.The San Miguel head coach lauded Teng for his professionalism and positive attitude, despite not being able to play in the first game.&quot;I have to appreciate him because he&#x27;s really a professional. No questions, no complaints. This time sabi ko sa kanya, your time will come. And it happened today. I&#x27;m happy, I congratulate Jeron,&quot; Austria explained.&quot;There&#x27;s a lot of guts na ginawa namin, a different combination. Ngayon talaga we were forced to do something new. And nag-click eh,&quot; he added.When asked if Teng will have more playing time following his impressive outing, the bench tactician said the former UAAP champion has a role in their team.&quot;With his performance today, I think he is included in our rotation. He has a different role. Makikita niyo during the elimination, iba yung role na ginagawa niya eh,&quot; he said.&quot;With Jeron he can play one, two, three four eh. That&#x27;s the reason why he has a very important role in our team,&quot; Austria shared.As for Teng, he said he remains focused on helping his team win and doing his part, whatever his role may be.

Jeron Teng made up for lost time and played hero in Game 2 of the semifinals for San Miguel. #PBA #PBA50

Jeron Teng made up for lost time and played hero in Game 2 of the semifinals for San Miguel. #PBA #PBA50

PBA: SMB coach Austria feels 'guilty' for not playing Jeron Teng in Game 1

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PBA: SMB coach Austria feels 'guilty' for not playing Jeron Teng in Game 1

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 07, 2026 08:54 PM PHT

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Updated January 07, 2026 08:55 PM PHT

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abssports

basketball

PBA

PBA Philippine Cup

San Miguel Beermen

Jeron Teng

Leo Austria

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