The Fighting Maroons will next take on fellow UAAP team Adamson U for the ninth-place match, while dropping the Blazers to a duel for 11th with San Sebastian College.
After the Blazers cut the deficit to three at 11-14 in the deciding set, the Fighting Maroons had to adjust their designed play coming off a huddle but Dan Nicolas still ended up finishing the match with a kill.
"Every game naman namin tinatry i-build up yung confidence ng mga bata. Medyo unfortunate kasi sa preparation andami pa rin naming hahabulin. Hindi kami makapag-everyday, hirap kami sa venue. Pero yun nga, hindi naman dahilan na pagpunta rito lagi na lang kaming alanganin. Mas OK yung ganitong process na nakakakuha sila ng five sets, panalo pa rin naman. Tatanggapin na namin yun," said UP head coach Rald Ricafort.
Second-year outside hitters Louis Gamban and Jaivee Malabanan matched 22-point outputs. Gamban also produced 28 excellent receptions, while Malabanan finished with 17 kills, three blocks, and two aces while coming through with 11 excellent receptions.
Arnel Aguilar scored 21 points for the Blazers while middle blockers Ryan Daculan and James Laguit chipped in 15 markers each.
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