Pasay: De La Salle University relied on Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini and rookie setter NJ Bangit to prevail over Adamson University, 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-20, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 6-foot-2 Ousseini scored a career-high 21 points built on 14 spikes, five blocks, and two aces, while Bangit orchestrated the offense with 33 excellent sets to go with seven digs. La Salle improved its record to 2-4, sharing fifth place with Ateneo de Manila University.
"When we were trying to prepare for this game, somehow, the result came out. Then again, we need more of this to at least, to move up a little in the standings," La Salle head coach Jose Roque said after the two-hour match. He emphasized the importance of this win as a wake-up call after four losses, stressing the need to avoid further setbacks to achieve their goal of reaching the top four.
The Soaring Falcons rallied behind Joel Menor, Maruel Tan, and Ahmed Tahiluddin to take the third set, but the Green Spikers came back strong in the next frame, racing to a 10-4 lead and never looked back. Eugene Gloria chipped in 18 points, 22 excellent receptions, and eight digs for La Salle, while Rui Ventura scored 12 points, including 11 attacks. Chris Hernandez added 10 points, 17 excellent receptions, and seven digs, while Paolo Layug had 10 points.
Menor finished with 18 points, 17 excellent receptions, and four digs, while Tan had 16 points for Adamson, which fell into a tie with University of the East at 1-5 for eighth place. La Salle will face defending champion National University while Adamson will meet University of the Philippines on March 15.