The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers nearly stumbled into the wrong side of history, but regained their footing just in time to serve the University of the East Warriors their 31st straight loss in a five-set thriller, 28-26, 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-7, in UAAP Season 79 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Signs of an upset were apparent from the onset of the match. After leading by four early in the first set, the Tigers nearly let the Warriors hijack the frame after their late errors resulted in a deuce. UST, however, managed to pull clutch defensive plays and transition into attacks to escape.
The following two sets then saw the Tigers surrender routine plays to errors, resulting in a decisive second set loss and a disappointing go in the clutch of the third set.
“Sobrang slow start for us. Sobrang dami naming miscues especially sa receive na cost us very important points,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
The fourth frame was incredibly close with the Tigers maintaining a slim late cushion to force a decider. UE’s errors and miscues marred the fifth set allowing UST to escape with their second win in three matches.
“There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the way we played. Hindi pwedeng nagre-relax kami against anyone,” added Mamon.
Manuel Medina tallied a UST-high 20 points, while captain Arnold Bautista added 16. The Tigers overcame a 7-16 block deficit by limiting their errors to 33, while UE coughed up 40.
The Tigers (2-1) will try to quell the red-hot University of the Philippines Maroons (2-0) on Sunday, 10 am, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UE skipper Edward Camposano fired in a career-high 32 points while Sam Lelic added 11.
UE (0-3) next take on the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (2-1) on Saturday, 8 am, also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UST (3) – Medina 20, Bautista 16, Sumagaysay 13, Jose 11, Tajanlangit 5, Buro 3, Carodan 2, Millado 0, Samonte 0, Pangan 0, Tajanlangit (L), Francisco (L)
UE (2) – Camposano 32, Lelic 11, Alba 10, Ortega 9, Inoferio 5, Magdaong 5, Imperial 1,Aljas 0, Ernacio (L)
