Defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles remain undefeated after quickly slamming the depleted University of the East Red Warriors, 27-25, 25-19, 25-14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Red Warriors, who played without injured top scorer Edward Camposano, stayed within range of the league leaders after a string of errors tied the first set at 20. The Blue Eagles had two set-point chances before UE again stumbled into a transition play that forced a deuce, 24-all. But UE had nothing left by the end of the set, as Ateneo shut down UE’s attacks with two blocks to take the first set.
“Maganda talaga ang nilaro ng UE, they played really well. Too bad wala si Edward [Camposano]. But credits to them for playing really well,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
The rest of the match saw Ateneo break UE’s offense and build big leads. By the third set, the Blue Eagles had fielded in all their players.
Ateneo, particularly, gave playing time to rookie middle blocker Chumason Njigha, who played the entire match and scored seven points.
“I’ve been wanting to play Chu for a long time now. Nauudlot lang. I’m confident naman with all my players from one to 14. Chu, he’s going to be our strength in the future,” Almadro added.
Still, three-time MVP Marck Espejo led the Blue Eagles with 19 points off 13 attacks, five blocks, and an ace. Rex Intal and Tony Koyfman each tallied seven markers.
The Blue Eagles have won their 26 their straight match overall, and are two matches away from sweeping the season and an outright Finals berth. They take on the De La Salle University Green Spikers (4-7) on April 1 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Camposano was ruled out for the season to get his ACL injury operated. Clifford Inoferio led the way in his stead with 15 markers.
UE dropped to 1-11, still at the bottom of the league. They take on the National University Bulldogs (10-1) on April 2 also at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 19, Intal 7, Koyfman 7, Medalla 6, Njigha 6, Baysa 4, Polvorosa 4, Villanueva 3, Glorioso 1, Magadia 0, Rivera 0, Tan 0, Sumanguid (L)
UE (0) – Inoferio 15, Alba 8, Ortega 4, Aljas 3, Adriano 2, Lelic 2, Magdaong 1, Imperial 1, Al Bandar 0, Espaldon 0, Ernacio (L)
