UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU survives Ateneo to keep top spot

FEU Tamaraws’ Zhydryx Saavedra in the UAAP Season 86 men’s tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University survived Ateneo in five sets, 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12, to stay on top of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws banked on the troika of Andrei Delicana, JJ Javelona, and Dryx Saavedra to fight back from a 1-2 deficit and rise to a league-leading 8-1 record with four straight wins.

Delicana led the way with 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks. Javelona and Saavedra chipped in 16 points each, while Martin Bugaoan added 13 points.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

“Yung game kanina too much errors kami. Ang daming kailangang repasuhin. Kung nagtitriple na kaming focus sa ensayo, baka dapat mas lalo pang doblehin,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo after overcoming 24 miscues.

Ateneo fell to a 5-5 record behind No.4 University of Santo Tomas (6-4) with Jian Salarzon leading the charge with 21 points and 27 excellent receptions, while Ken Batas added 17 points.

FEU Tamaraws’ Martin Bugaoan in the UAAP Season 86 men’s tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, Eco Adajar dished out 20 excellent sets as La Salle’s collective effort eliminated the winless University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-16, 25-14.

Adajar’s playmaking fueled JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao, who powered 12 points each. Billie Anima and Nat Del Pillar had eight points each, combining for nine of the team’s 12 blocks.

La Salle tightened its hold of the third seed with a 6-3 record, as UP remained winless in 10 games with Angelo Lagando carrying the cudgels with 12 points.