University of Santo Tomas held its ground against Noel Kampton’s 30-point eruption, overcoming a third-set hiccup to outlast De La Salle University, 25-22, 25-22, 16-25, 25-22, and snap a three-game skid in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Refusing to feel shaken after Kampton spearheaded La Salle’s dominant third-set win, the Golden Spikers regained their composure.
Together, they delivered in crunch time to secure their second victory over the Green Spikers this season and bolster their Final Four bid.
UST improved to 5-4, forcing a tie with La Salle for fourth place. However, the Golden Spikers hold the tiebreak advantage, having won both head-to-head encounters.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Thank you sa team for the wonderful birthday present. We’re back sa win column, and about doon sa errors namin — doon sa ending, nahihirapan, nadi-distract to close out the game — ‘yun yung inayos namin actually for the past week, and I think it was quite a success,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon, who celebrated his birthday last Friday.
Despite their third-set stumble, the Golden Spikers kept their poise, regaining their rhythm in the fourth to seal the win.
Clinging to a slim 19-18 lead in the final frame, UST unleashed a 5-2 surge courtesy of Josh Ybañez and JJ Macam to reach match point at 24-21. Kampton managed to pull one back, but Trevor Valera’s quick hit ultimately secured the victory after one hour and 51 minutes.
“Sobrang thankful talaga ako kasi always ko inaalala kagabi na birthday gift namin kay coach Odjie ay manalo ngayon. I think that’s the best na maibigay namin kay coach. Sa performance ko naman, siguro mas kaya ko pa siyang lamangan,” said Ybañez, who finally tasted his first win of the season.
Prior to this match, UST had lost all four games Ybañez played in.
The reigning MVP delivered a personal season-high of 21 points, tallying 15 spikes and six aces while also contributing 16 excellent receptions and four digs.
Setter Dux Yambao masterfully orchestrated the offense with 27 excellent sets and chipped in five points. Meanwhile, Popoy Colinares and Jay Rack Dela Noche added 15 and 11 points, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Despite Kampton’s career-best 30 points on 27-of-51 attacking efficiency, along with two aces and a block, La Salle fell short.
He was the only Green Spiker in double figures, with Vince Maglinao being the next highest scorer with just eight points, alongside 16 excellent receptions and four digs.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
La Salle will aim for a bounce-back win against Ateneo de Manila University at 9:00 AM, while UST looks to build a winning streak against Adamson University at 11:00 AM.
