UST super rookie Josh Ybañez exploded with 31 points to lead UST against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 21-25, 28-26, 25-21, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday.
Ybañez’s 31-point performance was built on 26 attacks, three blocks and two aces.
UST found its groove after a poor first set, outlasting the Blue Eagles in the second set, 28-26, after back-to-back Jay de la Noche block kills.
Ybañez scored back-to-back kills to win UST the third set, 25-21.
A quick 4-2 spurt in the fourth set allowed UST to build a 21-17 lead.
Ybañez and Rey De Vega put the finishing touches on Ateneo, winning UST the fourth set, 25-21.
De Vega had 20 points for UST, while De la Noche scored 10 markers.
Canciano Llenos scored a team-high 17 points for Ateneo.
The Tiger Spikers returned to their error-plagued ways, committing 39 in four sets.
The Tiger Spikers improved to a 5-1 win-loss record following the win, putting them only behind the undefeated NU Bulldogs in the standings.
They will next face the UE Red Warriors on Saturday, 9 a.m., at the same venue.
