The FEU Tamaraws and DLSU Green Spikers overpowered the UE Red Warriors and Adamson Soaring Falcons to boost their twice-to-beat hopes in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament.
Far Eastern University affirmed its top spot in the standings after downing the University of the East in four sets, 25-17, 17-25, 28-26, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Wednesday, April 17.
The Tamaraws had to overcome the pesky Red Warriors, who took the second set in convincing fashion. It also took an extended set in the third before FEU was able to put away UE for good in the fourth frame.
Tied at 18-all, the Tamaraws scored back-to-back points after a monster block by Martin Bugaoan.
FEU would continue to extend its lead as Bugaoan had himself another kill block before Benny Martinez connected on a service ace to seal the win.
Dryx Saavedra finished with 16 points built on 15 attacks and one block while Bugaoan and Andre Delicana added 13 markers.
The Tamaraws move to an 11-1 record with just two games to go in the season.
John Steve Aligayon had a game-high 19 points as UE dropped to 1-11, tied with the University of the Philippines.
In the first game, De La Salle University breezed past Adamson University in straight sets, 26-24, 25-17, 25-23, to secure a Final Four slot and boost the campaign for a twice-to-beat advantage.
DLSU now sits with a 9-3 record, tied with National University at second place.
The Green Spikers, fresh off their huge four-set victory against National University last Sunday, were leading by five points late in the third set at 22-17.
However, a series of mistakes from Noel Kampton, Jules De Jesus, and JM Ronquillo allowed the Soaring Falcons to narrow the gap to just two points at 20-22.
Ahmed Tahiluddin tried to keep Adamson competitive with crucial hits, followed by another error from De Jesus, bringing the score to 23-24.
Nonetheless, De Jesus redeemed himself with a powerful crosscourt kill, securing the victory for De La Salle after an hour and 32 minutes of play.
Ronquillo led the Green Spikers with 16 points, which included two blocks and four digs. Kampton contributed 12 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Vince Maglinao added 11 points.
Adamson's defeat drops them to a 4-8 record, causing the Soaring Falcons to miss the Final Four for the second consecutive year. This leaves the battle for the last semifinal spot between the UST Golden Spikers (7-5) and the Ateneo Blue Eagles (6-6).
Jude Aguilar led the scoring for the Soaring Falcons with nine points, supported by Marc Paulino with seven points and 12 receptions. Tahiluddin contributed six points despite only playing in the third set.