San Beda University stayed alive in the Final Four race of the NCAA Season 95 Men’s Volleyball Tournament after making swift work of Mapua University, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20, Tuesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Red Spikers unfurled a balanced offensive thrust to weather the surge of John Benedict San Andres and Raje Hizon. With that, they kept their semis hopes alive with a 4-4 card — a game and a half behind third and fourth seeds St. Benilde and Arellano, who both possess 5-2 slates.
“Hindi imposibleng pumasok ng Final Four kung magtatrabaho tayo, ayun,” San Beda head coach Ariel Dela Cruz said.
JR Ulibas showed the way for San Beda with 12 points coming from attacks. Meanwhile, Abdurasad Nursiddik was a force above the net with all but one of his team’s five blocks to end up with 11 markers.
Melver Lapurga also provided ample support with his 10-point output. Jeffrey Losa was all over the court with nine markers, nine digs, and seven receptions.
On the other hand, the Cardinals gave up crucial positioning after slumping down to a 4-4 win-loss record, tied with their tormentors.
San Andres’ all-around effort of 16 points, 12 digs and nine receptions went down the drain, while Hizon poured 12 markers in a losing cause.
Both teams try to remain within range of barging through the next phase in case St. Benilde or Arellano would collapse deep into the preliminaries.
San Beda and Mapua shall next face Lyceum and St. Benilde on Friday, respectively, at the same venue.
