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Adamson University silenced University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-16, 25-19, 25-22, for its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Mar. 22.

The Soaring Falcons closed the first round at 1-6 for sixth spot while leaving the Fighting Maroons as the lone winless team at 0-7.

“Dalawang bagay lang ang sinabi ko sa kanila: Maniwala’t magtiwala. Maniwala sa sistema at magtiwala sa sarili,” said Adamson head coach George Pascua.

Trailing most of the third set, Evander Novillo led the Falcons’ comeback from down 17-20, including the back-to-back service aces to seal the one-hour, 23-minute match.

Adamson broke away from a 9-8 count as Novillo and Josh Magalaman connected while getting help from UP’s errors to take the second frame by six, 25-19.

Novillo, a product of Adamson High School, had 11 points on seven attacks, two blocks, and two aces – the most important points of the match.

“Pinakamindset ko talaga non kung kaya kong tapusin sa serve, tatapusin ko na kasi mas mahihirapan kami kung mag rally pa, mapapagod pa kami baka makapagset pa sila,” shared Novillo on his match-clincher.

Leo Coguimbal added nine points, while Jude Aguilar and Magalaman both contributed eight points for the Falcons.

Making the balanced attack possible was setter John Gay with nine excellent sets and seven points.

Angelo Lagando and Louis Gamban delivered nine and eight points, respectively, for the Fighting Maroons.