The Far Eastern University Tamaraws earned a crucial win to end the Season 79 first round, whipping the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, for their fifth win at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws showed tremendous composure down the stretch. After taking the first set handily, the spikers from Morayta buckled down in the next two frames to edge the Tigers in heated exchanges. The Tamaraws got the edge in crucial situations, as UST surrendered miscues in the late game.
“Marami kaming errors kanina pero marami rin ‘yung UST. Siyempre, hindi ‘yun ‘yung ine-ensyo namin pero marami rin kaming magandang pinakita kanina. Pero hindi talaga pwede na magbibigay lanh kami ng puntos,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz, as FEU surrendered 29 unforced errors. UST, however, gave up 32.
The sophomores led FEU, as open hitter Jude Garcia tallied 11 points off eight attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while middle blocker JP Bugaoan added 10 markers.
FEU end the first round at solo third place with a 5-2 record, just behind the 5-1 National University Bulldogs and the 7-0 Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
No Tiger scored in double-digits, with Manuel Medina tallying eight points.
UST suffer their fourth loss, putting them below .500 with a 3-4 slate.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Garcia 11, Bugaoan 10, Dolor 9, Solis 9, Paler 2, Quiel 2, Silang 2, Camcam 1, Bautista 0, Detalban 0, Villegas 0, Marmeto (L)
UST (0) – Medina 8, Bautista 6, Buro 5, Millado 5, Jose 4, Sumagaysay 3, Carodan 1, Pangan 0, Samonte 0, Tajanlagit T. 0, Tajanlangit J. (L)
