University of Santo Tomas overcame some anxious moments to take down Adamson University in four sets, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball second round at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Golden Spikers rose to solo fourth with a 6-4 record, half a game ahead of Ateneo de Manila University which will take on Far Eastern University tomorrow.
UST needed a feisty fightback to finish the game in one hour and 55 minutes.
The Soaring Falcons took a 16-13 lead in the fourth set but Josh Ybañez willed the Golden Spikers to take an 18-16 advantage.
Adamson recovered to be just within one, 23-24, but the reigning MVP converted with a down-the-line hit in the next play for the UST win.
“Yung first two sets maganda yung galaw ng mga bata pero yung succeeding sets medyo nawala sa focus. Ganunpaman, pinagpapasalamat pa rin namin kasi sa latter part ng fourth set naorganize ulit sila,” said Golden Spikers deputy coach Ben Mape.
Ybañez had another all-around display of 25 points, 27 excellent receptions, and 12 digs.
Gboy de Vega provided ample support with 18 points, Jay Rack Dela Noche chimed in 14, and Rainier Flor had 10.
UST looks to continue its turnaround when it faces University of the Philippines next Wednesday, still at the Pasay venue.
Marc Paulino produced 16 kills as the Soaring Falcons fell to 4-5 in the sixth spot.
Francis Casas added 13 points while Jude Aguilar supplied 12 as Lorence Canlas tallied 29 receptions and 14 digs.
Adamson will seek to rebound on Tuesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum against FEU.
