By Jean Malanum
MANILA – De La Salle University kept its semifinal campaign alive in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament after beating University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 26-24, Sunday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Issa Ousseini finished with 17 points, including an ace that sealed the Green Spikers victory after two hours and eight minutes.
Yoyong Mendoza also had 17 points along with 10 excellent digs; Eugene Gloria added 15 points, 13 receptions and seven digs; and Chris Hernandez chipped in 11 points as La Salle joined Ateneo de Manila University in fourth place at 5-5.
“Before this game, I said it’s not too late. We have five more games. Let’s take it one by one. The season is not over yet, wherever we are, that’s it. But until we have something to deal with, we have to fight back,” La Salle coach Jose Roque said.
Trailing 16-19 in the fourth set, the Green Spikers rallied behind Mendoza, Gloria and Ousseini to tie at 23.
Ousseini blocked Tommy Castrodes to give La Salle its first match point, 24-23.
Olayemi Raheem scored for UP, but Milven Francisco’s attack sailed just outside the line, giving La Salle another match point at 25-24.
Raheem delivered 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Abram Joshel Robles added 12 points for the Fighting Maroons, who slid to sixth place with a 3-7 record.
Both teams will have a long break before returning to action on April 8 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. La Salle will meet league-leading Far Eastern University (9-1) while UP (3-7) will face Ateneo.
National University is running second at 8-2 while University of Santo Tomas occupies third at 6-4. (PNA)
