In a battle of winless teams, the De La Salle University Green Spikers broke out out their slump and kept University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons sliding after clinching a straight-set win, 25-21, 25-21, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle head coach Arnold Laniog tallied his first UAAP win. The accomplished NCAA coach expressed relief that his players pulled through for a well-earned win.
“Siguro, medyo mahirap kasi nga nakaka-apekto ‘yung mga talo sa morale. Pero what’s good is focused lang ‘yung mga players kaso alam nila na eventually darating din ‘yung panalo,” said Laniog.
Middle blocker Kieffer Reyes led the Green Spikers with 16 points off 11 attacks, four blocks, and an ace. Graduating captain Cris Dumago added 14 points, all from attacks.
Mark Millete was the lone Fighting Maroon in double-digits with 15 points. UP’s dismal passing led to a 33-for-86 attacking clip and four La Salle aces.
Both teams play their next matches at the FilOil Flying V Centre. La Salle (1-3) takes on University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday (2-2) while UP (0-4) faces Ateneo (1-2) on Sunday.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Reyes 16, Dumago 14, Bacon 7, Delos Reyes 6, Anima 5, Marco 4, Aquino 3, Inocentes 1, De Jesus 0, Macaspac (L)
UP (0) – Millete 15, San Pascual 7, Liran 6, San Pedro 6, Consuelo 2, Baldelovar 0, Enteria 0, Ilao 0, Yan 0, Madrigalejos (L), Nasol (L)
