Altas powder Pirates, zoom in on Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Perpetual Help relied on the duo of brothers Rey, Jr. and Relan Taneo as it edged Lyceum of the Phl U, 25-16, 14-25, 22-25, 25-21, 15-9, to close in on the Final Four in the men’s division of the 92nd NCAA volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena.

Rey, Jr. unloaded a match-best 17 hits including 16 off the attack while Relan provided support with a season-best 61 excellent sets to help the Altas seal their sixth victory in seven outings and at least a playoff for a Final Four berth.

A win either against Jose Rizal on Jan. 20 or Arellano U on Jan. 25 will give the Las Piñas-based school a return trip to the Final Four.

Perpetual Help has inched closer to St. Benilde, the league leader with a 7-1 (win-loss) record.

Esmail Kasim scattered 13 points while team captain Manuel Doliente and Allan Jay Sala-an chipped in 11 apiece to help in the cause.

Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar said he was impressed with his team’s mental toughness.