THE UST Tiger Spikers escaped the De La Salle Green Spikers in five sets, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 18-25, 15-12 to win their first game in the UAAP Season 79 mens’ volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Saturday.
After La Salle overcame a 2-8 deficit to tie the game at 12-all in the final set, UST fired three straight points to secure the victory.
Manuel Medina dropped 17 points to lead the Tiger Spikers while rookie Jerico Jose had a breakout game of 15 points.
“The end of the day, nakuha nila (UST) ‘yung fifth set. Kung erratic ‘yung kalaban, erratic din kami,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said in an interview.
UST took advantage of La Salle’s 43 errors with 57 attack points.
Green Spiker Arjay Onia led La Salle with 14 points.
La Salle uncorked a 9-3 barrage to tie the game at 21-all halfway through the third set. But UST retaliated with four straight points for a 2-1 set advantage.
The Tiger Spikers, who now have a 1-1 record, will face the University of the East on Feb. 15, Wednesday, 8 a.m., at the same venue.
