University of the Philippines failed to complete a reverse sweep against FEU, losing 19-25, 21-25, 25-20, 31-29, 12-15 Sunday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

With this loss, UP falls to a 3-8 record, officially dropping from the semifinals race, as it stays in sixth place, just above Adamson and UE. Meanwhile, FEU became the first team to secure a slot in the Final Four, tightening its grip on the top spot at 10-1.

While FEU was flat out dominant in the first two frames, the Fighting Maroons showed signs of life late in the sets, patiently defending the Tamaraws’ attacks and toying with the hands of their blockers for off the block hits. This allowed them to inch closer, eventually snagging the third and fourth sets.

Despite leading 9-6 and 12-10 in the fifth, UP failed to close the match out after FEU’s relentless attacking challenged the Maroon shirts’ faulty defense. This allowed them to go on a 5-0 run to eventually grab the win. 

Olayemi Raheem led the charge for UP, scoring 25 points on 23 attacks, an ace, and a block. Helping him were Tommy Castrodes with 17 points off 15 attacks and two blocks with his seven digs, and Gelo Lipata’s 11 from nine attacks and two blocks, accompanied by his 17 excellent receptions. 

Dryx Saavedra exploded for 29 from 28 spikes and an ace, while Mikko Espartero and Lyrick Mendoza each contributed 16 and 15. 

The Tamaraws will look to grab the twice-to-beat advantage when it next faces the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, 11 AM, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. 

UP, on the other hand, will face De La Salle University next Sunday, at the same time and Cubao venue.

All photos from UAAP Media

This UP Fighting Maroons Club post is made in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.