MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University secured its third consecutive victory by downing Adamson University, 25-21, 19-25, 25-16, 25-17, at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas (UST) snapped its three-game losing streak with a four-setter over De La Salle University, 25-22, 25-22, 16-25, 25-22.

Kennedy Batas, Jian Matthew Salarzon and Amil Pacinio Jr. delivered double-digit performances as Ateneo improved to a 6-3 record, good for third place behind unbeaten Far Eastern University (9-0) and four-time defending champion National University (7-2).

UST and La Salle share fourth place at 5-4.

“Honestly, in the first two sets, everyone was moving sluggishly, so I just told them to smile because it helps a lot. I also reminded them not to get discouraged just because we lost focus in the second set,” Batas, who tallied 20 points and 11 receptions, said.

“In the latter part of the game, we were able to overcome those challenges.”

Salarzon contributed 19 points, including 17 attacks, while Pacinio added 15 points, highlighted by three aces.

Lorenzo Gutierrez had 24 excellent sets, while libero Lance De Castro recorded 14 receptions and 10 digs.

“I'm happy because no matter how many sets it takes, a win is a win for me. The players worked hard for it. They trusted us, and we trusted them,” Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan said after the match that lasted nearly two hour.

Jude Christian Aguilar produced 16 points, scoring 13 on attacks and three on blocks, but could not avert Adamson’s seventh loss in nine outings.

Meanwhile, Josh Ybañez scored 21 points on 15 attacks and six aces for UST.

“Thank you to the team for the wonderful birthday present. We're back in the win column and regarding our errors, especially at the end when we struggle and get distracted in closing out the game, those are what we worked on this past week," UST coach Odjie Mamon said, a day after he celebrated his birthday.

Ybañez and JJ Macam gave UST a 24-21 lead in the fourth set.

Noel Kampton pulled La Salle closer at 22-24 but Trevor Valera sealed the match after one hour and 51 minutes.

“I’m really grateful because last night, I kept thinking that the best birthday gift we could give coach Odjie was a win today. As for my performance, I believe I can still do better,” Ybañez said.

Edlyn Paul Colinares added 15 points and Jay Rack Dela Noche chipped in 11 points for UST.

Kampton starred for La Salle with a career-best 30 points, delivering 27 spikes out of 51 attempts, along with two aces and one block. (PNA)