Taking on an upset-hungry foe, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws muzzled the Adamson University Falcons, 25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Tamaraws (10-2) stayed on track for a twice-to-beat incentive, remaining tied in the loss column with defending champs Ateneo (10-2) and National U (11-2).
Last making the Finals in Season 75, the Tamaraws are treating their last two elimination round matches as must-win situations as they see a twice-to-beat advantage as necessary.
“Mahirap ‘yung dadaanan namin para maka-Finals. Alam naming kailangan namin lahat ng advantage na pwede naming makuha,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
“Lahat ng kalaban namin, talagang pinaghahandaan namin. Hindi kasi kami ‘yung tipo ng team na pwedeng mag-relax,” the youthful mentor furthered.
The Tamaraws lorded it over the Soaring Falcons in blocking, nabbing 11 block kills to Adamson’s five. JP Bugaoan topped FEU with 22 points while Jude Garcia added 18.
FEU faces the Final Four chasing UST Tiger Spikers (6-6) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
George Labang led the Falcons with 21 markers. Pao Pablico added 16.
Adamson (6-7) takes on the UST Tiger Spikers on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Bugaoan 22, Garcia 18, Solis 15, Quiel 9, Paler 6, Bautista 3, Salabsab 2, Suarez 1, Barrica 0, Dablo, Marmeto (L)
AdU (1) – Labang 21, Pablico 16, Miranda 11, Bello 7, Millares 4, Amburgo 1, Jimenez 1, Melgar (L)
