Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

The Tamaraws were quick to regroup after yielding the super extended second frame that lasted 45 minutes and restored order for their ninth win in 10 games to stay in solo top spot of the standings.

Photo: UAAP

Dryx Saavedra played solid throughout the four-set encounter with 21 points on 17 kills, two kill blocks and two aces while Amit Bituin and Mikko Espartero got 15 and 13 markers, respectively, as FEU picked itself up from a sorry loss to six-peat-seeking National University that snapped its eight-game winning run.  

The Golden Spikers absorbed a fourth loss in 10 outings.

Josh Ybanez scored all of his 21 points in kill blocks and added eight excellent receptions while Joncriz Ayco and Trevor Valera had 15 and nine points, respectively, for UST.

Photo: UAAP

Meanwhile, De La Salle University defeated University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 26-24, to stay in the Final Four contention.

After seeing their four-game winning streak snapped in their previous outing, the Green Spikers rebounded with this victory to improve to a 5-5 slate tied with Ateneo de Manila University in fourth place.

Issa Ousseini had 17 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to lead La Salle. Yoyong Mendoza finished with 17 points and 10 digs, Eugene Gloria added 15 points, 13 receptions, and seven digs, while Chris Hernandez chipped in 11 points.

The Fighting Maroons dropped to sixth place with a 3-7 card, dimming their hopes of advancing to the Final Four, despite the 24-point effort of Olayemi Raheem and Abram Robles’ 12 points.