La Salle players celebrate. V-League photo
La Salle thwarts UST
DEFENDING men’s champion La Salle thwarted the University of Santo Tomas with a strong fourth set windup to pound out a 25-19, 27-25, 23-25, 25-20 win in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena late Wednesday.
The Green Spikers drew strength from their quartet of new faces – Joshua Magalaman, Eugene Gloria, MJ Fortuna, and Chris Hernandez – as they squeaked out a tight win in the second set to prevail.
La Salle then overcame a third-set slip with a big finishing kick in the fourth, to prevail in a rematch last year’s V-League semifinals.
“The third set was all about the breaks. Somehow we controlled it, but doubts started creeping in. I told them, why worry when we know we can finish it,” said Green Spikers coach Jose Roque.
Magalaman delivered a 13-point game for La Salle, including three blocks, while Gloria and Fortuna backed him up with 12 points apiece.
“As much as possible, talagang every game pinaghahandaan namin. No matter kung sino yung kalaban, paghahandaan lang namin. I’m happy na ginawa naming preparations, nagawa namin sa game,” said Roque.
The Golden Spikers turned to rookies Jan Macam, who scored 17 points, including four blocks, and Al-Bukharie Sali put in a 16-point game.
Kobe Tabuga led the charge with 23 points on 20-of-39 kills, while Hezron Manaloto added 13 points, including two blocks for the Altas.
