FEU Tamaraws close in on UAAP volleyball Final Four

FEU setter Ariel Cacao.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University inched closer to a Final Four berth after sweeping Adamson, 25-17, 25-17, 25-22, for its fourth straight win in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws banked on Ariel Cacao’s superb playmaking with 17 excellent sets as they outplayed the Falcons in attacking, 42-30, to tighten their hold of the top seed with a 9-1 record.

Martin Bugaoan led the charge with 11 points including two blocks. Jayjay Javelona and Andrei Delicana chipped in nine points each, while Dryx Saavedra added eight as FEU moved a win closer to clinching the first Final Four berth of the season.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

“Yung service receive, service reception saka yung blocking. ‘Yun ang talagang finofocus naman nang maigi. Sa part ng Adamson, nakita niyo naman hanggang sa huling set talagang nilalaban nila na makuha nila yung match today,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo.

“Talagang inaral naman nang maigi yun eh kasi yung coaching staff nila talagang sasabihin natin na ang hirap talunin ni Coach George (Pascua).”

Adamson slid to a 4-6 record as no Falcon scored in double figures with Marc Paulino leading the way with seven points and 13 excellent receptions.

La Salle Green Spikers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Meanwhile, La Salle eliminated University of the East from the Final Four race, 25-17, 25-11, 25-21, and solidified its hold of the third spot with a 7-3 record.

Noel Kampton stepped up for the Green Spikers with 17 points on a 76-percent attack rate after JM Ronquillo missed the game due to illness.

Nathaniel Del Pilar and Vince Maglinao contributed eight points apiece, while Glen Ventura and Billie Anima added six points each.

“Talagang kailangan focus kami sa succeeding games namin whoever magiging opponent namin. Handa talaga kami. Yun yung binigay ko na mindset. For us na makapasok lang sa Final Four,” said La Salle coach Jose Roque.

UE has now lost nine of its last 10 games. Angelo Reyes led the Red Warriors with 11 points, while Joshua Pozas added 10.