De La Salle University made short work of winless University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-16, 25-14, to solidify its hold of third spot in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.
The Green Spikers snapped a two-game skid to rise to 6-3 in the standings.
“Hindi naman nawawala every training I keep on reminding them na towards the end of second round na tayo, kailangan nakatuon na talaga tayo. Kung 100 percent nakatutok kami nung first round, ngayon dodoblehin pa talaga namin,” said De La Salle head coach Jose Roque.
The Green Spikers towered over the Fighting Maroons with 12 blocks led by Nat Del Pilar and Billie Anima with five and four, respectively.
La Salle also dominated the spiking category with 44 over the 29 of UP.
JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao led the way for the Green Spikers with 12 points apiece while Anima and Del Pilar chipped in eight each.
Eco Adajar tossed in 20 excellent sets and logged a service ace.
De La Salle will look to improve its chances to reach the Final Four on Tuesday when it meets University of the East at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons bowed out of Final Four contention with a 0-10 record.
Angelo Lagando was the lone UP player in double figures with 12 points while Louis Gamban had nine.
UP will continue its chase for a first win on Wednesday against last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas at the same Pasay venue.
