That thrilling fourth set lasted 49 minutes.
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons scored 115 total points on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre, while their opponents, Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles, scored 123.
In the process, UP also surrendered the first two sets.
Despite all those, the Fighting Maroons rallied back in the game to get their first win of Season 85 in five sets, 13-25, 22-25, 26-24, 39-37, 15-12.
Yes, you read that right, both teams closed in on scoring 40 points in the fourth set. It was grueling, but UP coach Rald Ricafort thought the extra-long set worked in their favor.
“Siguro naging advantage na nag-long game kami nung fourth set, ‘yung momentum nagtuluy-tuloy nung fifth set,” said Ricafort.
It also helps that the Maroons actually prepared for games like this.
“Before naman ng UAAP, preseason pa lang, ‘yun naman ‘yung nire-ready sa kanila. Mga ganung matches, mga ganung scenarios na dikdikan hanggang dulo,” the coach added. “Grateful naman kami na kahit medyo late na [humabol], lumabas pa rin naman.”
For UP ace Loisa Gamban, who scored 22 points to lead the squad, it was the fighters within the Maroons that came out and delivered the win.
“Kahit na naghahabol kailangan pa rin namin kapitan. Saka ‘yung fighting spirit na kailangan ilaban namin ‘to, walang bibitaw, ibuhos na ito,” said Gamban.
Ateneo's Jian Salarzon notched 30 points in the losing effort.
With the win, UP avoids outright elimination and improves to 1-9, forging a tie with Adamson University Soaring Falcons in wins and losses.
UP will next face De La Salle University Green Spikers on Sunday. On the day before, Ateneo will suit up against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers.
(With reports from Rainier Mira, One Sports Digital)
(Editor's Note: This article initially indicated that UP is tied with Ateneo in the standings. Adamson, not Ateneo, sports the same record with UP. The error has been corrected.)