Semifinals-bound Ateneo went through a wringer against newcomer National College of Business and Arts and survived with a 31-33, 25-18, 25-12, 25-21 victory Sunday in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference Monday.
The Blue Eagles preserved their 6-0 slate in the carry-over quarterfinals but not before putting up against another valiant stand from the Wildcats, who last week stunned La Salle last week in five sets.
UAAP MVP Marck Espejo took over for Ateneo with 23 points including two blocks and four service aces. Joshua Villanueva added 14 points, Rex Intal 12, and Ysrael Marasigan 11.
The Blue Eagles and National University are still waiting in the wings for their respective semifinals opponents.
Reyson Fuentes led NCBA with 16 points but the Wildcats fell short in their upset bid anew as they reeled to a 2-2 card.