Angelo Lagando and Dan Nicolas joined forces in the fifth set, carrying University of the Philippines to a five-set triumph over University of the East, 25-19, 18-25, 14-25, 25-20, 15-9 to end their UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball campaign on a high note, Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
It was Lagando who started the onslaught for the Fighting Maroons in the fifth, scoring four in their 8-4 start.
Meanwhile, Nicolas finished the fight with four points as well in the latter stages including the clinching kill.
UP was down 2-1 in sets but woke up in time as Louis Gamban willed the team to the win in two hours and eight minutes.
The Fighting Maroons wrapped up their season with a 2-12 record for seventh place. They also got their revenge over the Red Warriors, who beat them in the first round.
“We’re very happy for where we are right now. We struggled all the way but I think the team has already improved a lot,” said Vip Isada, a champion car racer and former national team standout who made a return as UP head coach this year.
“Results are coming out, [and] we’re very very satisfied with what’s happening.”
Gamban had a game-high 20 points to add to his 13 receptions and 11 digs, while Lagando delivered 15 points as well.
Nicolas logged 14 points including five blocks, while Jaivee Malabanan also poured in 11 points in the victory.
Red Velasquez had his last run in a Fighting Maroon uniform.
Angelo Reyes made 15 points built on seven blocks as the Red Warriors finished eighth with a 1-13 card on a seven-game slide.
Joshua Pozas and Shan Camaymayan tallied 13 points, each while Steven Aligayon dropped 12 points for UE.
