Needing each victory for a bigger cushion in the Final Four race, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons squeaked past the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 20-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-14, 15-9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Adamson improved their record to 7-4, tied with Ateneo De Manila University in third place. Meanwhile, UST slumped to a 4-7 card, having lost their third match in four second-round outings.
The Soaring Falcons found their bearings in the third set, fortifying their ball control and net defense to drag the match to a decider. Adamson then quickly charged ahead in the fifth set, 10-5, to lock up the win.
The San Marcelino-based program has swept the season series against the squad from España. Graduating skipper Pao Pablico emphasized the match-up’s importance in Adamson’s road to a Final Four spot.
“Humabol nga po kasi sila sa record. Kung nanalo sila, bababa po talaga ‘yung chance namin. Kaya hindi po talaga namin hinayaan na basta-basta kami papatalo kaninan,” said Pablico, who led the Falcons with 23 points.
Adamson’s other wingers Leo Miranda and George Labang provided 17 and 15 markers, respectively.
Manuel Medina led the Tiger Spikers with 15 points. Joshua Umandal managed 14, while rookie Jaron Requinton added 13.
Adamson next take on the University of the East (2-8), while UST face the Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Pablico 23, Miranda 17, Labang 15, Alicando 5, Alvarez 5, Bello 4, Jimenez 1, Amburgo 0, Valdez (L)
UST (2) – Medina 15, Umandal 14, Requinton 13, Sumagaysay 8, Tajanlangit T. 5, Corda 4, Tajanlangit J. 1, Valenzuela 1, Casillan 0, Mendiolla (L), Sawal (L)
