Savouge RTU Basilan bucked a slow start to bolster its drive for a quarterfinals seat in the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference after eliminating Xentromall-EAC, 20-25, 32-30, 25-20, 25-22, Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
The Golden Thunders improved to joint-second with PGJC-Navy at 3-1, just behind undefeated Chef on a Diet-FEU at 3-0.
Savouge and FEU will collide on December 1.
“Nung una, alam ko naman talagang kaya nilang ilabas ang tunay na laro nila kahit di namin nakuha ang first set. Nakita ko naman na ginagawa nila lahat kaya sabi ko basta ilabas niyo ang laro niyo kahit kaninong team lalaban tayo,” said Golden Thunders head coach Sabtal Abdul on their adjustment in second set onwards.
In a bid to force a fifth set, the Generals turned a 17-21 deficit into just one with three straight points capped by Ervin Osabel’s solid block that forced a Savouge timeout.
Respond the Golden Thunders did as Renzel Antonio took over to end the match in two hours and five minutes.
Lorenz Señoron led the way for Savouge with 21 points and 11 excellent receptions while Antonio, who came off the bench, finished with 18 points.
Marvin Romero paced Xentromall with 12 points, while Ruther Abor and Jester Bornel made 10 points each.
The Generals slipped to 1-3 and will cap their campaign on November 26 against the winless Bayleaf Hotels.
