In what was technically a no-bearing match, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws ripped into their Final Four opponents University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 25-23, 25-18, 25-18, at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Prior to the match, the Blue Eagles had secured an elimination round sweep, shifting the Final Four into a stepladder. FEU, who had the third seed on lock after defeating the University of the Philippines last week, will again meet the fourth-seeded UST in a do-or-die match in two weeks. The winner will face the National University, who hold a twice-to-beat advantage.
Although they could afford to lose the match, FEU still wanted to show their signature pride, said head coach Rey Diaz.
“Hindi namin inisip na no-bearing ‘yung laban na ito. Talagang naka-mind set ‘yung mga bata na may bearing ‘yung larong ito,” Diaz told reporters. “Sabi ko sa kanila ipakita nila ‘yung larong FEU, ‘yung pusong FEU. Hindi porke no-bearing, magla-lie low na sila.”
Graduating middle blocker Greg Dolor led all scorers with 13 points, while skipper Richard Solis and Jude Garcia each provided 10 markers.
The Tamaraws swept the season series against UST and finished with an 8-6 record.
No Tiger scored in double-digits, with open hitter Jerico Jose tallying seven points.
UST dropped to 6-8 for the season. They have made the Final Four after missing last year’s post-season festivities.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Dolor 13, Garcia 10, Solis 10, Bugaoan 8, Paler 5, Quiel 5, Villegas 2, Bautista 0, Camcam 0, Salabsab 0, Silang 0, Suarez 0, Marmeto (L)
UST (0) – Jose 7, Carodan 6, Icalina 6, Medina 5, Bautista 4, Tajanlangit 4, Sumagaysay 4, Millado 0, Samonte 0, Francisco (L)
