UAAP: UST boys near Final 4 after sweeping UE

MANILA — University of Santo Tomas extended its perfect run to eight matches after repulsing defending champion University of the East, 25-22, 25-20, 30-28, in the UAAP Season 89 boys’  volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the Paco Arena.

The Junior Golden Spikers overcame a tough challenge from the Junior Warriors in the third set to move closer to securing the first Final Four berth.

Karl Escobar was sensational for UST, finishing with 24 points on 20 kills, three service aces, and a block, along with eight receptions. Libero Carl Jamer Detoyato logged 15 receptions and seven digs, while setter Chester Esteban dished out 22 excellent sets and recorded a match-best three blocks.

Earlier, Far Eastern University-Diliman regained its winning ways and solidified its hold on second place with a 25-21, 15-25, 25-18, 25-22 victory over National University-Nazareth School.

Kenneth Maliwanag led the Baby Tamaraws, who improved to 7-1, with 21 points, including four blocks and three service aces, and five digs. Ahmad Korooshavi added 14 kills on 28 attacks, including the match winner.

Adamson University needed just 65 minutes to sweep De La Salle-Zobel, 25-20, 25-13, 25-19, evening its record at 4-4 and tying NUNS for fourth place.

Lance Babon led the Baby Falcons with 17 points on 14 kills from 29 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, while also recording nine receptions. James Bernabe chipped in 10 points, including two blocks, along with six digs and five receptions.

UP Integrated School secured its third victory in eight matches at the expense of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-14, 25-18, 25-16.

Justin Jusayan fired five service aces to finish with 12 points and added seven digs, while Marco Bamba also scored 12 points, including two aces, along with four digs and four receptions for the Fighting Maroons.

The Junior Green Spikers and the Blue Eagles fell to 1-7 and 0-8, respectively.

Second-round action in the girls’ division begins on Friday at the Paco Arena.

Boys’ action resumes on Sunday, with FEU-Diliman hosting UPIS at 9 a.m., UE facing La Salle-Zobel at 11 a.m., UST taking on Adamson at 1 p.m., and NUNS battling Ateneo at 3 p.m.