Far Eastern University averted disaster as it survived Ateneo de Manila University in five sets, 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12, to stay on top of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.
Outside hitters JJ Javelona and Andrei Delicana and middle blocker Martin Bugaoan provided the much-needed hits for the Tamaraws in the fifth set.
Javelona’s early heater allowed FEU to race to a 6-3 lead while Delicana kept the run going for a 13-8 advantage.
Although the Blue Eagles were able to inch within two, 11-13, due to three straight errors by their foes, Bugaoan made the finishing touches for the Tamaraws win in two hours and seven minutes.
“Yung game kanina too much errors kami. Ang daming kailangang repasuhin. Kung nagtitriple na kaming focus sa ensayo, baka dapat mas lalo pang doblehin,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo as they committed 24 miscues.
The Tamaraws stretched their winning streak to four games, improving to a league-leading 8-1 record.
Delicana led FEU with 19 points on 14 attacks and five blocks while Javelona and Dryx Saavedra got 16 points apiece.
Bugaoan also wound up with 13 points.
FEU will shoot for its fifth straight victory on Tuesday against Adamson University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Jian Salarzon paced Ateneo with 21 points and 27 excellent receptions while Ken Batas poured in 17 points.
The Blue Eagles dropped to 5-5, trailing behind fourth-running University of Santo Tomas (6-4) by a game in the race for the last Final Four berth.
Ateneo will seek to bounce back on Wednesday against National University at the same Pasay venue.
