The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers avenged their five-set first round loss to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with a five-setter of their own 25-21, 25-21, 20-25, 18-25, 15-11 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Both squads were locked in the standings for the last Final Four spot. Needing a win to tie with the Maroons, UST came out with incredible energy to swiftly take the first two sets. But just as quickly, the Tiger Spikers lost their grip on the next two sets, forcing a decider.
“Nag-deviate sila sa game plan, nagkanya-kanya sila. Nag-adjust na lang ako sa fifth set dahil wala akong mapiga sa number 18 [Jerico Jose] ko,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
Adjusting their lineup, UST overtook UP with a quick mid-set run that gave them a permanent cushion, 11-7.
“Nagawa na namin lahat, adjustment na lang, situational adjustment na lang pero naging pangit yung execution,” added Mamon who found optimism in their third five-set win of the season.
“Pangatlong fifth set namin ito. Character-building siya at isa lang natalo sa amin na five-setter.”
Jose scored most of his game-high 22 points in the first three sets. Manuel Medina added 15 points, while Arnold Bautista managed 13.
UST are now tied with UP at fourth with a 5-6 record, a game ahead of the De La Salle University Green Spikers. They take on the Green Spikers (4-7) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Sophomore Mark Millete led UP with 19 markers, while Alfred Valbuena managed 17.
UP will face the second-seed National University Bulldogs (10-1) also on Wednesday.
The Scores
UST (3) – Jose 22, Medina 15, Bautista 13, Tajanlangit 7, Carodan 6, Buro 4, Sumagaysay 4, Icalina 1, Samonte 0, Francisco (L)
UP (2) – Millete 19, Valbuena 17, San Pascual 10, Miguel 6, Castillo 4, San Pascual 3, Acuna 1, Baldelovar 1, Luna (L), Nasol (L)
