Needing to stay in the upper echelon of the league in the tight Final Four race, the De La Salle University Green Spikers clinched a convincing straight-sets win over the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-21, 25-22, 29-27, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle improved their record to 4-6, having won two of their three second-round outings so far. Sitting at fifth in the standings, La Salle head coach Arnold Laniog knows every match is must-win for them to make the semifinals.
“Crucial sa amin ‘yung panalo kasi very tight nga ‘yung standings. May chance kami, pero maliit na lang ‘yung room for error namin,” said the first year Green Spikers head coach.
“Kailangan lang namin maging consistent pa sa effort namin sa lahat ng skills,” he added.
Cris Dumago led the Green Spikers with 12 points, while JD Delos Reyes delivered 10 markers.
Clifford Inoferio and Lloyd Josafat each provided nine markers, while Adrian Imperial managed six.
La Salle take on the National University (9-1), while UE (2-8) face the Far Eastern University (8-1) on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores
DLSU (3) – Dumago 12, Delos Reyes 10, Anima 8, Bacon 7, Reyes 7, Balanong 3, Marco 2, De Jesus 1, Serrano 0, Macaspac (L), Sumalinog (L)
UE (0) – Inoferio 9, Josafat 9, Imperial A. 6, Ortega 5, Abalon 4, Alba 4, Bonoan 1, Adriano 0, Imperial 0, Medina (L), Solis (L)
