UAAP: FEU nears twice-to-beat bonus in men’s volleyball

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

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University took down the University of Santo Tomas,  25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-15 to boost its twice-to-beat bid with a sixth consecutive win in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Tamaraws hosted a block party with 16 kill blocks, led by Martin Bugaoan’s six as he finished with 21 points to lead their team to a league-leading 10-1 record.

Ariel Cacao orchestrated FEU’s offense with 25 excellent sets. Andrei Delicana chipped in 18 points. JJ Javelona had 12 points and 17 excellent receptions. Dryx Saavedra added 10 points, while Lirick Mendoza tallied four blocks to finish with six points.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

“We studied the tactics of coach Odjie [Mamon] for UST. My players are also well-motivated as you saw the fire in the eyes of the players and coaches,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo in Filipino.

“We checked [Dux] Yambao’s sets based on our scouting on his distribution to the wing spikers at middle blockers.”

UST’s three-game winning streak was snapped, falling to the brink of losing its chance for a twice-to-beat advantage with a 7-5 record.

Josh Ybañez had 21 points, while Gboy De Vega added 18 points and 25 receptions.

UP Fighting Maroons’ Louis Gamban in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines ended a 15-game winning streak with a 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 28-26 win over Adamson to earn its first win of the season after 12 games.

The Falcons threatened to force a fifth set after reaching the set point in the fourth, 26-25, behind the back-to-back blocks from Leo Coguimbal and Jude Aguilar on Louis Gamban.

Dan Nicolas equalized the match for UP with a quick attack, while Brian Chavez brought their team to match point, 27-26, before Dan Gutierrez’s net touch that handed the Fighting Maroons’ first win.

Jaivee Malabanan dropped 17 points, 19 receptions, and nine digs to deliver returning coach Vip Isada’s first win since UAAP Season 75

Angelo Lagando and Gamban had 13 points each. Nicolas had 12 points, while Clarence Santiago dished out 26 excellent sets on top of seven points

“It was very good for us. It was our first win and I think the introduction of a new system and culture to the team were the ones that brought us to where we are now,” said Isada, who returned to coaching UP’s men’s volleyball team this season after relinquishing his post after Season 75 (2012-13).

Adamson fell to the brink of elimination with a 4-7 record. Marc Paulino led the Falcons with 20 points. Francis Casas had 18 points, while Coguimbal and Aguilar added 12 and 11 points, respectively.