Defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles made short work of the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-18, 25-22, 25-17, to stay on pace for a Final Four spot at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Blue Eagles are tied with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws and the National University Bulldogs in the standings at 11-2. They take on perennial rivals Bulldogs on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with the loser most likely sinking to third.
“It’s very important for us to win on Sunday, so we just really wanted to keep focused in this game,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro. “We’ve been trying to improve every game. NU is a tough team and, hopefully, we can show our development against them.”
Ron Medalla led the Blue Eagles with 19 points, while four-time Most Valuable Player Marck Espejo added 15 markers on 12-for-25 attacking efficiency.
Noel Alba, Kim Adriano, and Bom Patacsil each tallied seven points for the Red Warriors.
UE (0-13) will try to salvage a win to end Season 80 on Saturday against the University of the Philippines Maroons (3-10).
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Medalla 19, Espejo 15, Glorioso 11, Baysa 8, Njigha 4, Labao 3, Polvorosa 1, Tan 1, Morado 0, Trinidad 0, Sumanguid (L)
UE (0) – Adriano 7, Alba 7, Patacsil 7, Inoferio 5, Aljas 2, Balquierda 1, Imperial 1, Benitez (L), Ernacio (L)
