Behind another tremendous all-around effort, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles dealt the University of the East Red Warriors their 33rd consecutive loss, 25-17, 25-13, 25-22 in UAAP Season 79 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Winless since Season 76, the Warriors struggler mightily against the two-time defending champs. Ateneo raced to early double-digit leads in the first and second set, affording the squad playing time for their bench players. The third set became a tight affair but the Blue Eagles inched ahead off their superior firepower.
“Siguro it wasn’t about if we won pero more about how we won. I always tell my players that we need to improve. Every game, we need to get better kasi the other teams are also getting better. Hindi porque we’re not playing a powerhouse team na we’re going to stop learning,” said Ateneo head coach Oliver Almadro.
Three-time UAAP MVP Marck Espejo was again a picture of efficiency, scoring 15 points on 10/15 attacking, three blocks, and two aces. Rex Intal tallied 10 points off seven-for-twelve attacking and three blocks.
Ateneo dominated every skill, scoring 54 total points off their scoring skills to UE’s 28. The Blue Eagles also passed 36 excellent receptions of 50 attempts.
The Blue Eagles (5-0) face second-ranked UP Fighting Maroons (3-1) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Sam Lelic and skipper Edward Camposano each tallied six markers.
UE tries to end their skid against the DLSU Green Spikers (1-3) also on Sunday.
The Scores
ADMU (3) – Espejo 15, Intal 10, Villanueva 8, Baysa 6, Medalla 4, Koyfman 3, Polvorosa 3, Glorioso 2, Rivera 2, Njigha 1, Magadia 0, Sumanguid (L)
UE (0) – Camposano 6, Lelic 6, Alba 5, Aljas 5, Inoferio 4, Ortega 2, Adriano 0, Magdaong 0, Balquierida (L)
