Needing each win to maintain their hold on a Final Four spot, the Adamson University Soaring Falcons outlasted the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20, 32-30, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Falcons leaned on graduating captain Pao Pablico, who delivered a UAAP career-best 31 points from 27 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
Adamson’s leading scorer emphasized the importance of every match down the stretch. The Falcons have a 5-4 record in fourth place, half a game behind Ateneo (6-4) and two games up on University of Santo Tomas (3-5).
“Sobrang crucial nga po kasi marami rin kaming team ang naglalaban para makapasok sa Final Four,” said Pablico.
“Sana maging consistent ako pati ‘yung team na ganito ‘yung performance namin sa last five games namin. Marami pa rin kaming kailangan ayusin,” the reigning PVL MVP added.
Jadewin Gudoy and George Labang paced the Falcons with 16 and 14 points, respectively. The Falcons built on their stellar serve reception by establishing a 62-43 gap on spikes, countering the 36-24 error disparity they gave up.
Mark Millete again led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points, while graduating winger Jerry San Pedro provided 12 markers.
The Falcons take on Far Eastern University (7-1), while UP (1-8) face the University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Pablico 31, Gudoy 16, Labang 14, Alvarez 9, Bello 7, Alicando 3, Jimenez 2, Dela Cruz 0, Nuguid 0, Valdez (L)
UP (1) – Millete 16, San Pedro 12, Consuelo 11, Ijiran 10, San Pascual 7, Baldelovar 5, Castillo 0, Enteria 0, Madrigalejos (L)
