MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas needed a strong finishing kick to put down University of the East, 27-25, 19-25, 25-12, 25-19, Saturday in the UAAP Season 75 men’s volleyball at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The powerhitting duo of Salvador Depante and Mark Gil Alfafara combined for 40 big points, both with 20 each for the Golden Spikers, who kept their final four dreams aligned with the win.
Depante, who notched 14 of his points from attacks and five from blocks, put the pesky Red Warriors away for good with the match-clinching kill.
Romnick Rico also added 17 points for UST.
UST, who lodged itself in a three-way tie with La Salle and Adamson with a 5-4 record, recovered from a rocky start that allowed UE to score a set.
The Red Warriors, who have been in the cellar for the entire season, put up a tough stand against the Golden Spikers behind the efforts of Homer Lauresta.
Lauresta scattered 19 points for UE, which just ran out of zing towards the end after losing two hard-fought sets in 50 minutes.