UAAP: FEU nears playoff advantage, Ateneo outlasts UP in men's volleyball five-setter

Far Eastern University defeated De La Salle University, 25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 25-21, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena to inch closer to a playoff advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament.

The Tamaraws improved to 10-1, securing at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage, while the Green Spikers slipped to 5-6.

For the Morayta-based squad, however, what matters more is the daily development of its players.

“Yung team standing, hindi naman ‘yan ang goal talaga, siguro yung each game na mangyayari, doon magma-matter yung gusto namin mangyari. Kung titignan n'yo 'yung team standings, tignan natin 'yung every single day na papalapit doon sa goal na gusto sa amin. Siguro ‘yon yung pinakafo-focusan namin na bagay,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Mikko Espartero led the way with 14 points and 12 receptions, while Amet Bituin and Dryx Saavedra added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other side, Yoyong Mendoza scored 18 points, while Eugene Gloria and Emman Hernandez chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University outlasted the University of the Philippines, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-7.

Amil Pacinio Jr. delivered 25 points and six digs, while Emman Okeke contributed 16 points and 10 receptions as the Blue Eagles improved to 6-5.

For UP, Olayemi Raheem posted 28 points, while Tommy Castrodes had 15 points and 16 receptions as the Fighting Maroons slipped to 3-8.

—JKC, GMA News