FEU downs UST, NU wins in UAAP boys' volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University-Diliman stayed spotless after nipping erstwhile unbeaten University of Santo Tomas, while defending champion Nazareth School of National University earned its breakthrough win in the 82nd UAAP boys' volleyball tournament Saturday.

The Baby Tamaraws dealt the Junior Tiger Spikers their first loss of the tournament with a 20-25, 29-27, 14-25, 25-23, 15-12, while the Bullpups made quick work of Adamson University, 25-21, 25-14, 27-25, at the FEU-Diliman gym.

"Tinibayan namin yung loob namin, na kaya namin manalo sa home court namin. Inadjust namin yung receive, service at block noong fourth set," said skipper Benny Martinez after FEU-Diliman secured its fourth win in as many games.

Leading by just a point in the deciding set, the Baby Tamaraws fired three unanswered points, capped by Emmanuel Advincula's service ace to put the match away.

Rans Cajolo led FEU-Diliman with 14 points while Jerold Talisayan chipped in 12 points.

Rey De Vega came through with 17 points, 10 digs and 10 receptions for UST, which dropped to 2-1 for third place,

Arvin Bandola topscored for NU with 14 points built on six spikes, four blocks and four aces while Michaelo Buddin added nine.

With the Baby Falcons at set point in the third frame, 24-21, the Bullpups uncorked a 6-1 run, punctuated by Buddin's off the block kill, for the straight-set win.

"Nakahinga na kami kasi under pressure kami after two consecutive losses. This time nagkaroon ako ng adjustments, nag work naman. Yung mga quicker ko, ginawa kong open spiker," said NU coach Edgar Barroga said.

Evander Novillo had 10 points for the Baby Falcons.

In the other match, Ateneo arrested its three-game slide with a 21-25, 28-26, 25-19, 18-25, 15-8 victory over De La Salle-Zobel.

Amil Pacinio registered a triple-double for the Blue Eaglets with 24 points, 12 digs and 12 receptions while Giulian San Juan added 14 markers.

The Junior Green Spikers, paced by Andre Espejo's 20 points, slid to 0-2.

Action will resume with two games on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.