Facing a squad clinging to their slim Final Four hopes, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws survived and kept themselves in the chase for a top two spot, slipping past the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 28-26, 14-25, 19-25, 26-24, 15-12, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Tamaraws improved to an 11-2 record, staying tied with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the NU Bulldogs, both of whom will face-off on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. If FEU beats the DLSU Green Spikers (5-8) also on Sunday, the Tamaraws secure a spot in the top two.
FEU needed every bit of their vaunted blocking to survive a heated fourth set and extend the match to a decider. There, the Tamaraws gained separation with a clutch roof on Manuel Medina which handed them a 12-10 lead. Jude Garcia and JP Bugaoan then piled on crucial points in the endgame to vanquish the Tiger Spikers.
“Sabi namin sa kanila na maraming masasayang kung matatalo kami kanina,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
“Naghahabol kami ng twice-to-beat. Hindi pa kami tapos, hindi pa kaming pwedeng mag-relax,” he added.
FEU surrendered 11 aces to UST but kept on pace with 12 blocks. JP Bugaoan topped the Tamaraws with 18 points while Paler finished with 16.
Ty Carodan led all scorers with 20 points. Arnold Bautista and Joshua Umandal each managed 17.
UST (5-8) needs to win against the Adamson Soaring Falcons (6-7) on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym to force at least a playoff for the fourth seed.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Bugaoan 18, Paler 16, Garcia 13, Quiel 10, Solis 9, Suarez 4, Bautista 3, Hadlocon 1, Barrica 0, Dablo 0, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
UST (2) – Carodan 20, Bautista 17, Umandal 17, Medina 14, Sumagaysay 13, Tajanlangit 4, Icalina 3, Arbasto 1, Casillan 0, Sawal (L)
