San Sebastian College-Recoletos bolstered its quarterfinals hopes with a crucial 25-21, 25-16, 25-15 win over Jose Rizal University in NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball on Wednesday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
Kyle Villamor flaunted his veteran presence anew while Joshua Espenida provided support as the Stags cruised to their second win in a row to hike their card to 5-5 in Group A.
Villamor pumped in 19 points together with eight digs while lefty Espenida churned out 15 markers, sending the Heavy Bombers to their eighth consecutive loss for a 1-9 record.
San Sebastian, which was coming off a huge upset victory over defending champion Arellano University, was beaming with confidence right from the get-go with Espenida burying one from the opposite side to bring the Stags to a 23-18 lead in Set 1.
Espenida and Rhenmart Alba then plotted a huge denial against Jeffrince Macalacad for the set point before another kill from him closed out the opening set in the Stags' favor.
San Sebastian refused to let the momentum swing in JRU’s way, as Villamor smartly dropped the ball from the left side to spark a decisive run and stretch the lead to a commanding 14–4 advantage in Set 3.
Jan Mark Arano won a joust at the net against JRU's Al-Jecradin Unding, converting an overpass from their side into the game-winning point to finish the Heavy Bombers in three sets.
Mathew Mallillin paced JRU with 12 points while Jake Fernandez and Paolo Barrientos chipped in seven and six markers each.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
