By: Ernest Tuazon
De La Salle University thwarted University of Santo Tomas with a strong fourth-set wind-up, 25-19, 27-25, 23-25, 25-20, to notch its second consecutive win in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
The Green Spikers drew strength from their quartet of new faces – Joshua Magalaman, Eugene Gloria, MJ Fortuna, and Chris Hernandez.
La Salle squeaked out a tight win in the second set, then overcame a third-set slip with a big finishing kick in the fourth, virtually repeating their encounter from last year’s V-League semifinals.
“As much as possible, talagang every game pinaghahandaan namin. No matter kung sino yung kalaban, paghahandaan lang namin. I’m happy na ginawa naming preparations, nagawa namin sa game,” said DLSU head coach Jose Roque.
Magalaman delivered a 13-point game for La Salle, including nine attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Meanwhile, Gloria and Fortuna backed him up with 12 points apiece.
UST also relied on its two rookies.
Jan Macam scored 17 points on 12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Al-Bukharie Sali put in a 16-point game.
Meanwhile, Perpetual Help overcame a two-set lead loss to secure a thrilling victory against Letran, winning 25-19, 25-22, 20-25, 21-25, 15-13.
Kobe Tabuga led the charge with 23 points, including 20 attacks, while Hezron Manaloto added 13 points from 11 attacks and two blocks.
The Altas rebounded from their recent four-set defeat to the reigning UAAP champion National U Bulldogs.
John Bautista scored 24 points with 22 attacks, one block, and an ace, while Vince Himzon contributed 21 points from 18 attacks, two aces, and a block.
The Knights fell to 0-2.
