Far Eastern University-Diliman booked a spot in the Final Four after outlasting Adamson University, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21, 25-27, 15-9, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena.
Rans Cajolo tallied 20 points while Emmanuel Advincula delivered six of his 13 points in the deciding set as the Baby Tamaraws remained unscathed in nine games.
“Lesson sa amin ito na dapat walang relax sa laro, kaya nag adjust kami kanina, sabi ko tapang lang, kung sino ang buo yung loob diyan, siya mananalo,” said FEU coach Rjhay Del Rosario.
Up by just two points in the deciding set, 11-9, the Baby Tamaraws pulled away, scoring the last four points, to seal the victory.
With the fourth set knotted at 25-25, Nathaniel Del Pilar converted on a quick kill and the Baby Falcons capitalized on an opponent error to force the decider.
Jerold Talisayan registered 13 points and 17 receptions, Angelo Lipata had four blocks and finished with 12 markers, while Benny Martinez got 17 excellent sets and 13 digs laced with three points for FEU.
John Gay had 18 points while Nathaniel Del Pilar chalked up 14 markers as Adamson University fell to solo fourth place with a 5-5 record.
In the other match, De La Salle-Zobel arrested its nine-game skid with a 26-28, 25-10, 25-19, 25-18 victory against also-ran Ateneo.
Rojie Guadamor stepped up in the absence of the Junior Green Spikers’ leading scorer Andre Espejo, exploding with 28 points on 23 hits and five service aces.
Sherwin Umandal added 13 markers and 13 digs while Simon Encarnacion finished with 12 points and 12 receptions.
Amil Pacinio got all but one of his 18 markers on spikes while Mikka Mendoza had 10 points for the Blue Eaglets.
De La Salle-Zobel and Ateneo are now tied for sixth spot with 1-9 cards.
