Far Eastern University needed four sets to dispose of also-ran University of the East, 25-17, 17-25, 28-26, 25-19, and assure itself of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat bonus come the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws rose to 11-1 to remain atop the team standings and two games ahead of joint-second National University and De La Salle University both at 9-3.
“Yung game sa UE, yung pinagusapan namin before na yung pride nakita naman natin yung UE talagang inilaban nila yung every single point kaya kudos din sa UE,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
The Red Warriors even threatened to take a 2-1 set lead via a 26-25 lead in the third but Martin Bugaoan came up with a quick attack to tie, Andrei Delicana rejected Isaiah Roca, and Steven Aligayon’s attack went long for a 28-26 win by the Tamaraws.
But in the fourth, FEU did a better job closing the frame, going on a 7-1 finisher capped by Benny Martinez’s ace that caught UE off-guard.
That sealed the win in one hour and 54 minutes.
Dryx Saavedra led the way with 16 points, while Bugaoan and Delicana each contributed 13 points on identical lines of eight attacks and five blocks.
JJ Javelona also chalked up 11 points, while Bryce De Guzman registered 20 receptions and five digs.
FEU will be back on Saturday against University of the Philippines at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Then it ends the elimination round against three-time defending champion NU on April 24.
Steven Aligayon unloaded 19 points. Meanwhile, middle blockers Angelo Reyes and Axel Defeo dropped 15 and 11 points, respectively, for UE.
The Red Warriors’ losing skid stretched to five games for a 1-11 card. They will finish their campaign against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday and UP on April 27.
