The Adamson University Soaring Falcons used steady play at the net to stifle the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 29-27, 28-26, 25-10, at the FilOil Flying V Centre
The Soaring Falcons tooks momentary hold of the highly-coveted fourth seed with a 4-6 card while UP dropped to sixth at 3-6.
Middle blocker Royce Bello keyed the Falcons win, scoring 17 points which includes nine of Adamson’s 15 blocks to UP’s seven.
Bello keyed the Adamson’s climb out of a tight battle in the first and second sets. UP’s errors then signaled their doom in the third frame, allowing the Falcons to take a 16-5 lead.
Adamson wingers Pao Pablico and George Labang added 14 points apiece while Leo Miranda managed 10.
“Sinunod lang po namin ‘yung gameplan ng mga coaches tapos nagkapit-kapit lang kami noong dikitan ang laban,” said Bello. “Marami pa po kaming kailangang ipanalo para maabot namin ‘yung Final Four.”
Wendel Miguel and Mark Millete towed the Fighting Maroons with 11 points apiece.
Adamson takes on the NU Bulldogs (7-1) on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. UP faces the FEU Tamaraws (7-2) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
AdU (3) – Bello 17, Labang 14, Pablico 14, Miranda 10, Alavarez 6, Amburgo 1, Bondoc 0, Jimenez 0, Melgar (L)
UP (0) – Miguel 11, Millete 11, San Pascual 8, Consuelo 7, Castillo 6, Baldelovar 2, San Pedro 2, Acuna 1, Nasol (L)
