Olayemi Raheem powered the University of the Philippines (UP) as they derailed the late scare of University of the East (UE) in a five-set thriller, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-11, commencing the UAAP S88 Men's Volleyball campaign on a winning note at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Saturday, February 14.
Nigerian wing spiker Raheem led the charge with an impressive 30-point outing, including 29 attacks and one block that fueled Fighting Maroons’ escape from the late fightback of Red Warriors.
The white-clad squad started the opening frame strong, orchestrated by Raheem's high-flying back-row spikes which sparked the Fighting Maroons first set supremacy, 1-0.
Raheem then continued to shine as he carved 15 combined-points which are 10 from the second set, fending off the Recto-based side a chance to cruise ahead and triggered a 2-1 upper hand.
After suffering a fourth-set stumble which resulted in a 2-2 series standing, the Fighting Maroons asserted their superiority as they immediately regrouped in the decider after surging a 10-2 deficit in the closing frame of the last set.
Meanwhile, the University of the East did not quickly fell out of control as the team trimmed the margin to 13-10, after a 8-3 comeback run attempt led by a Jan Libot attack and two consecutive block by Gene Malit.
However, UP sealed the deal when Raheem displayed a game-winning through-the-block hit which converted to his 30-point performance.
At last, the Fighting Maroons will continue to show their high-level performance against Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles next Sunday, February 22, at the same venue.
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