It was sweeter the second time around
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws completed a surprising elimination round of sweep of three-time defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, surviving Marck Espejo’s 39 points in five sets, 25-27, 25-23, 25-20, 20-25, 16-14, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Four-time Most Valuable Player Espejo tied the league record for points in a match set by DLSU’s Raymark Woo in Season 78. But that still was not enough shake off a determined FEU side.
The Tamaraws had a chance to close the match in four sets, but collapsed late and allowed the Blue Eagles to force a decider. FEU again seemingly had control of the fifth frame, erasing Ateneo’s 12-9 advantage to race ahead 14-11. But, three consecutive FEU errors sent the final frame to a deuce. Needing to respond, the Tamaraws pulled off back-to-back clutch transition plays to seal the win, highlighted by Redijohn Paler’s game-winning down-the-line smash.
FEU head coach Rey Diaz commended his team’s heart which, he thought, keyed their win beyond the stats.
“Medyo marami pa kaming pagkakamali kanina. Marami pang kailangan i-correct, pero ang maganda doon naipakita ng mga bata ‘yung puso nila na kahit malamangan kami, lalaban sila,” said Diaz.
Wingers Paler and Jude Garcia finished with 17 points apiece, while JP Bugaoan managed 15 markers. FEU became the first team to sweep an elimination round series against Ateneo since the UST Tiger Spikers did it in Season 77.
Karl Baysa added 11 points for the Blue Eagles, who saw their eight-game winning streak snapped.
Both squads play their next match at the FilOil Flying V Centre. FEU (7-2) face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (3-6) on Wednesday, while Ateneo (7-2) also face UP next Saturday.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Garcia 17, Paler 17, Bugaoan 15, Solis 13, Quiel 6, Suarez 5, Bautista 3, Detalban 0, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
ADMU (2) – Espejo 39, Baysa 11, Medalla 8, Njigha 8, Glorioso 7, Rivera 3, Tan 2, Polvorosa 1, Morado 0, Trinidad 0, Sumanguid (L)
