MANILA — De La Salle University leaned on the standout performance of Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini and rookie setter NJ Bangit to secure a 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-20 victory over Adamson University on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Ousseini tallied a career-best 21 points, powered by 14 spikes, five blocks, and two aces, while Bangit orchestrated the offense with 33 precise sets and added seven digs. With the win, La Salle improved to 2-4, sharing fifth place with Ateneo de Manila University.
“Four losses are a lot, so this game serves as a wake-up call. We need more performances like this if we want to climb into the top four,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque following the two-hour contest.
Adamson fought back in the third set behind Joel Menor, Maruel Tan, and Ahmed Tahiluddin, but the Green Spikers bounced back quickly in the fourth set, establishing a 10-4 lead and maintaining control until the final point.
Eugene Gloria contributed 18 points, 22 excellent receptions, and eight digs, while Rui Ventura added 12 points, including 11 attacks. Chris Hernandez recorded 10 points, 17 excellent receptions, and seven digs, and Paolo Layug chipped in 10 points.
For Adamson, Menor had 18 points, 17 excellent receptions, and four digs, while Tan scored 16 points. The Soaring Falcons now share eighth place with University of the East at 1-5.
La Salle is set to face defending champion National University next, while Adamson will take on University of the Philippines on March 15.
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