The FEU Tamaraws. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — Far Eastern University asserted its mastery of Adamson University to continue its hot streak in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.

This, after the Tamaraws defeated the Soaring Falcons, 25-17, 25-17, 25-22, during a rare Tuesday game day at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

Martin Bugaoan top-scored for the Tamaraws with 11 points on nine attacks and two kill blocks, Jayjay Javelona and Andrei Delicana added nine markers apiece, while Dryx Saavedra had eight points in their win.

“Yung service receive, service reception saka yung blocking. ‘Yun ang talagang fino-focus naman nang maigi,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo, whose squad is only a win or an Ateneo defeat away from officially clinching a Final Four berth. 

“Sa part ng Adamson, nakita niyo naman hanggang sa huling set talagang nilalaban nila na makuha nila yung match today,” he added. 

The Tamaraws saw themselves down by a point midway through the third, 20-19, despite already holding a two-to-nothing set lead. Fortunately for FEU, Saavedra converted on a kill to tie the game.

The Tamaraws eventually saw themselves up by two in the following plays, 23-21, but an attack from Joel Menor brought the Soaring Falcons to within a point yet again.

Menor was then called for a foot fault in their next possession, bringing FEU to match point, and Nadera then took charge and scored the game-winning point for Morayta-based squad.

This resulted in FEU earning their ninth victory in 10 contests.

Marc Paulino top scored for Adamson with seven points, 13 receptions, and one dig, while Jude Aguilar and Menor chipped in six markers each in the loss that brought them down to No.6 with a 4-6 record. 

FEU will face off against University of Sto. Tomas on Saturday, 12:00 PM, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, while the Soaring Falcons will be looking to bounce back against the University of the Philippines on the same day and venue at 10 AM.