Eagles, Tams in do-or-die

Game Today (The Arena, San Juan City) 2 p.m. – Ateneo vs FEU (men’s)

Ateneo tries to keep its title-retention campaign alive when it battles Far Eastern University today for the remaining championship berth in UAAP men’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.

Match is at 2 p.m. with the four-peatseeking Eagles hoping to ride the momentum of their recent victory to forge a best-of-three title duel with early finalist National University Bulldogs.

With their backs against the wall, Ateneo lived for another day behind the explosive efforts of Marck Espejo to destroy FEU’s twice-to-beat semifinal incentive with a tough 18-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-23, 15-9 win last Saturday.

The 6-foot-3 outside hitter and fourtime Most Valuable Player erupted with a league record 55 points.

While Espejo is expected to ignite the Eagles’ fiery attacks, Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro hopes more offensive support will come from his other stalwarts.

Except for Espejo, no one scored in double figures against FEU with Ismael Rivera and Gian Carlo Glorioso managing eight and six points, respectively.

Espejo, for his part, dominated with 47 of the team’s 66 kills while posting six blocks and two aces.

Ish Polvorosa, meanwhile, is expected to provide smart plays for Ateneo after making 45 excellent sets, while libero Manuel Sumanguid takes charge of the floor after posting 21 digs and 16 receptions.