The UST Golden Spikers continued their winning run after defeating the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After a tightly contested first set, the Golden Spikers pulled away in the second frame with a decisive 7-0 run that turned a 10-11 deficit into a commanding 17-11 lead on their way to victory. In the third set, the trio of Josh Ybañez, JJ Macam, and Sherwin Umandal ensured the match ended in straight sets.
“We prepared to neutralize Raheem, pero mas maganda ‘yung targeting namin this game and fewer errors. Maganda ‘yung mindset ng mga players today,” said Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon, as his wards limited Olayemi Raheem to a season-low 12 points while committing just 17 errors.
Ybañez Leads UST Attack
Ybañez was the lone Golden Spiker to score in double digits with 13 points and 14 excellent receptions. Macam and Joncriz Ayco added 9 points each, while Trevor Valera chipped in 7 points.
Dux Yambao orchestrated UST’s balanced attack with 18 excellent sets, while Edriel Alabar anchored the defense with 9 excellent digs and 9 excellent receptions.
For the Fighting Maroons, Zairus Pacure, Milven Francisco, and Abram Robles combined for 21 points.
The Golden Spikers will face the still-undefeated FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, March 14, at 11:00 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons will close their first-round campaign against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, March 15, at 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.
