Adamson middle blocker Josh Magalaman. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Adamson pulled the rug from under the University of the Philippines, 22-25, 27-29, 30-28, 25-21, 15-12, to earn its second win in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Soaring Falcons leaned on the troika of Joshua Magalaman, Francis Casas, and Jude Aguilar to rally from two sets down and fight back from a 21-24 deficit.
Aguilar and Pau Paulino scored three straight points to tie the frame before the latter nailed the crucial hits to take the extended third. Adamson carried the momentum in the last two sets to prevail in two hours and 54 minutes.
Middle blocker Josh Magalaman led the Falcons with 20 points off 16 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Casas delivered 18 points and 16 excellent receptions, while team captain Aguilar had 17 including five blocks as John Gay added 12 markers.
WATCH: Adamson coach George Pascua and Jude Aguilar after their comeback win over UP. #UAAPSeason85 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/RmeYWi5S64
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“Our motivation was what coach George [Pascua] told us that the game won’t end in two sets. So when we had a chance in the third, we didn’t let go of that opportunity,” said Aguilar in Filipino.
Adamson ended a five-game skid to rise to a 2-11 record, asserting its mastery of UP, which it took down in the first round with a 25-16, 25-19, 25-22 conquest.
“They fought until the end,” said coach George Pascua in Filipino. “I can see their potential in training. We just have to achieve good chemistry.”
The Fighting Maroons lost their 11th in 12 games despite the efforts of Louis Gamban and Ranz Cajolo.
Gamban had 21 points, 30 excellent receptions, and seven digs, while Cajolo delivered 20 points built on 17 attacks and three blocks.