THE UST Junior Tiger Spikers clinched the last twice-to-beat advantage after surviving defending champions Nazareth School of National University Bullpups, 25-23, 12-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 80 boys’ volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Friday.
With the incentive, UST can eliminate the defending champions on Nov. 19, Sunday, 9:30 a.m.
NU overcame a two-point deficit late in the fourth set with a 7-3 spurt capped by Jomar Ocampo’s drop to force a deciding set, 25-22.
“Psychological advantage na lang na tinalo namin ang defending champions. Mayroon akong nakikita sa kanila na ayaw nila matalo. ‘Yung mental capacity nila magdadala sa panalo,” UST assistant coach Rommel Abella said.
UST had a slim 23-22 lead in the third set when Jaron Requinton and Nico Alojamiento scored back-to-back kills for a 2-1 set advantage.
The Bullpups had an 18-11 lead in the second frame before dropping a 7-1 hammer on UST.
Back-to-back blocks from UST’s Requinton and Kenneth Cawaling broke a 23-all deadlock in the first canto.
Abella said their semis match against NU will be nothing less than a dogfight.
“Alam naman natin na lalaban sila (NU). Defending champions sila, ‘yung pride nila nandoon pa rin naman pero kailangan i-up natin ang intensity natin, i-increase ‘yung level ng play ng mga bata,” Abella said.
Team captain Lorenz Señoron exploded with a season-high 19 points while Requinton chalked up 15 markers.
Bullpup Pol Salvador had 15 points.
