Far Eastern shows Ateneo who’s the boss

Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City) 8 a.m. – La Salle vs NU (Men’s) 10 a.m. – UE vs UST (Men’s) 2 p.m. – Adamson vs UE (Women’s) 4 p.m. – La Salle vs FEU (Women’s)

Far Eastern University reaffirmed its mastery over defending champion Ateneo with a pulsating 25-27, 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 16-14 victory yesterday in UAAP men’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City.

Redijohn Paler and Jude Garcia spearheaded the Tamaraws’ assault by firing 17 points apiece to deal the Eagles their second loss against eight victories and drop to second place.

In fact, Ateneo’s other defeat also came at the expense of FEU in the first round, 25-18, 25-19, 25-22, last Feb. 4.

The Tamaraws hiked their win-loss tally to 7-2 to remain at third place.

FEU’s cohesion overshadowed the explosive effort of Marck Espejo for Ateneo, who erupted for 39 points built on 38 kills and a single block.

Espejo’s sterling performance matched the UAAP record for most points in a match by La Salle’s Raymark Woo two seasons ago, although it failed to steer the team to victory.

John Paul Bugaoan contributed 15 points for the Tamaraws, who hung tough in the crunch against the Eagles’ stifling defense.

Skipper Richard Solis added 13 points and 12 digs, while Owen Suarez had 48 excellent sets.