UST’s Josh Ybanez. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines —Josh Ybanez once again showed the way for University of Santo Tomas, dropping 23 points to beat University of the East, 28-26, 25-16, 20-25, 25-22, and stretching their winning streak to six games in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Ybanez continued to shine as he delivered 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace for the Golden Spikers, who rose to an 8-1 record for solo second place.
Gboy de Vega also stepped up for UST with 17 points, 17 excellent receptions, and five digs, while middle blocker Rainer Flor added 13 markers.
UST coach Odjie Mamon, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, was far from satisfied after they gave up 36 errors and surrendered the third set to the Red Warriors.
“A win is a win. But yesterday I was angry at practice even it was my birthday because they were lax, they were complacent,” said Mamon in Filipino. “But our preparation still worked in the end. We can’t afford to do the same mistakes in our next two games.”
UE absorbed its sixth straight loss, sliding to a 2-7 record.
Ken Culabat and Giles Torres couldn’t end the woes of the Red Warriors with 12 points each, while JP Mangahis and Lloyd Josafat, who had eight and seven points, respectively.