UAAP volleyball: Men’s Final Four race tightens as UST wins, NU falters
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament – second round
UST Golden Spikers celebrate a point against UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 88 mens’ volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Final Four race in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament intensified on Sunday following key wins by University of Santo Tomas and La Salle.
The Golden Spikers stayed in the hunt for the twice-to-beat playoff incentive after defeating University of the Philippines, 25-14, 25-17, 25-16, at Mall of Asia Arena.
Josh Ybañez led UST anew with an all-around effort of 17 points, eight receptions and three digs to power the Golden Spikers to a 9-4 record. Treyvor Valera helped the cause with 11 points built on eight attacks and three blocks.
“We want a playoff match [for the twice-to-beat advantage], but of course, we don’t hold that; it’s beyond our control. That’s all we tell our players, we do what we can, and we just pray,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said.
Grayhood Baylon’s nine-point outing just wasn’t enough for the Fighting Maroons as they ended their campaign with a 3-11 card.
La Salle Green Spikers’ MJ Fortuna celebrate a point against NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
UST later got help from La Salle, which beat National University, 16-25, 26-24, 20-25, 26-24, 17-15, in the second game.
The Bulldogs tripped to a 10-3 card, still good for second as of Sunday, but their bid for the twice-to-beat incentive is in danger with the Golden Spikers breathing down their necks.
Their showdown on Wednesday now holds major playoff implications.
A win by NU would secure them the coveted Final Four advantage, while a UST victory would force a playoff for the second seed.
Leo Ordiales topscored for NU in the crucial loss with 28 points. Jade Disquitado and Buds Buddin also finished with 22 and 16 points, respectively.
La Salle, which is missing the Final Four for the first time since Season 81, meanwhile, ended its campaign with a 5-9 card.
Chris Hernandez headlined the Green Archers’ upset win with 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks, alongside 19 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.
“Next year, we’ll learn how to manage ourselves so we can play our actual games. We promise that we’ll be better. We’ll play better next season to reach the Final Four,” Hernandez said in Filipino.
Yoyong Mendoza also scored 17 while Eugene Gloria had 16 for La Salle.
