The Far Eastern University Tamaraws needed just an hour and fifteen minutes to dismantle the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-19, 25-22, 25-13, and snap an alarming three-match losing slide at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
FEU stuck it to their neighbors at the net and service line. The Tamaraws got a combined 18 points from block kills and serve aces, while UE had just four.
Locked in a tight race for the last two Final Four seeds, the Tamaraws came into the match with a sense of urgency, according head coach Rey Diaz.
“Hinugot talaga namin sa malalim na kailangan manalo kami today,” Diaz told Tiebreaker Times. “Hindi siguro nade-develop nang buo ‘yung maturity sa mga bata. Sinasabi namin sa kanila na kailangan lahat kami mgatulungan. Hindi lang ‘yung magsasarili kami.”
The middle hitters starred for FEU, with graduating veteran Greg Dolor tallying a game-high 14 points, while sophomore JP Bugaoan added 12.
The Morayta-based spikers elevated their record to 6-5, half a game ahead of the 5-5 University of the Philippines Maroon Spikers and a full game in front of the 4-6 University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers for the the third seed.
FEU next take on the Adamson University Falcons (2-8) on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Skipper Edward Camposano led the Warriors with nine points, while Noel Alba added seven.
UE, who won their first match in three seasons just two weeks ago, remain at the bottom of the league with a 1-10 record.
The Red Warriors also play on Sunday, facing defending champs Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (10-0).
The Scores
FEU (3) – Dolor 14, Bugaoan 12, Bautista 8, Solis 7, Villegas 6, Paler 2, Salabasab 0, Suarez 0, Marmeto (L)
UE (0) – Camposano 9, Alba 7, Iniferio 7, Ortega 6, Magdaong 3, Imperial 2, Aljas 0, Ernacio (L)
