The UST Tiger Spikers suffered back-to-back losses for the first time in Season 85 after collapsing to the unbeaten National University Bulldogs in four sets, 19-25, 25-22, 18-25, 21-25, in their penultimate elimination-round game at the FilOil Eco Oil Centre in San Juan on Wednesday.
With the win, NU moved on the cusp of sweeping the elimination round and forcing a stepladder in the Final Four.
In the first set, UST’s Josh Ybañez made a service error that gave NU the set-point advantage, 24-18. Although Tiger Spiker John Dedoroy scored a point soon after, it was not enough as Obed Mukaba’s powerful quick play secured the set win for NU, 25-19.
In the second frame, UST’s Rey De Vega converted two consecutive crosscourt hits and a service ace to equalize the match, 25-22.
The Bulldogs capitalized on UST’s 11 errors in the third set to go up 2-1, 25-18.
Errors were also the story in the fourth frame. Back-to-back UST errors sealed NU’s win, 25-21.
The Tiger Spikers maintained their position as the second-ranked team with 10 wins and 3 losses, while the Bulldogs continued their unbeaten streak with 13 wins.
The Bulldogs towered over UST in the match, outsourcing the Tiger Spikers in blocks, 15-1.
Ybañez led UST with 19 points while De Vega added 14.
NU’s Retamar put on 16 points while Angelo Almendras and Michaelo Buddin scored 13 apiece.
The Tiger Spikers will close their second round of the tournament against the already eliminated UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, April 30, at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
