Now Reading: FEU downs defending champ NU; Nabora propels UE to snap 23-game skid in UAAP S88 men’s volleyball
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FEU downs defending champ NU; Nabora propels UE to snap 23-game skid in UAAP S88 men’s volleyball
FEU downs defending champ NU; Nabora propels UE to snap 23-game skid in UAAP S88 men’s volleyball
Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and University of the East (UE) Red Warriors found the right footing as both squads notched commanding victories during the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the MOA Arena, Feb. 21.
The Tamaraws injected vengeance in their veins after last season’s bitter memories, warding off the National University (NU) Bulldogs pack with a 22–25, 25–21, 25–17, 25–20 statement win to carve out a 3–0 card.
Vying to improve their silver-finish back in season 87, the Tamaraws banked on stout defenses to cast down the five-time champions.
Lirick Mendoza was a man on a mission, anchoring the Morayta-based squad’s vanguard with 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
Reinforcing the squad’s assail were rising Amet Bituin and Doula Ndongal, who combined for a 30-markers.
FEU fended off NU’s late push in the fourth set, with Dryx Saavedra and Mendoza delivering crucial attacks to seal the win.
Buds Buddin scored 21 points for the Bulldogs, while Leo Ordiales added 15 as NU absorbed its first loss of the tournament.
FEU is bound to solidify their winning form as they scheme a battle against Adamson University (AdU) on March 1.
Nabora powers UE to end 23-game skid
Fate finally smiled on the Red Warriors’ tribe as they finished a nearly two-year plunge thanks to CJ Nabora’s clutch spells against the AdU Soaring Falcons to eke out a thrilling five-set battle, 25–22, 20–25, 25–23, 30–32, 15–12.
Just when the Soaring Falcons were ready to add another heartbreaker after forcing a decider, the Red Warriors clawed their way back to bounce from a winless Season 87.
Nabora vaunted with his 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks, as Raquim Aceron paced the squad’s offense with 24 markers of his own.
Pulling away from a 10-all deadlock, UE relied on late-game escape with four straight markers underscored by a Falcon error that allowed a surging Nabora to seal the long-awaited win with an off-the-block wipe.
Meanwhile, youngster Jims Ducusin flew across the Falcons’ nests with 24 points while Richard Besorio came up with 17 markers but wasn’t enough to stop UE’s wallop.
Now standing with 1–2 slate, the Red Warriors look to ride their found momentum as they lock horns with University of the Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on Feb. 28.
With reports from Tiebreaker Times
