San Beda University took full advantage of an undermanned Colegio de San Juan de Letran, eking out a 25-16, 25-23, 25-17 win in the NCAA Season 101 men's volleyball on Sunday at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila.
The Red Spikers destroyed the Knights, who were missing their top scorer Vince Himzon, improving to 8-5 in Group B and securing an outright quarterfinals seat alongside Arellano University and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
The Knights fell to a 6-7 record and will face Lyceum of the Philippines University in the knockout play-in stage for the last quarterfinals seat.
Ryan Rosman and Axel Van Book formed a one-two punch with the former leading the way with 18 points and the latter chipping in 16 markers and 18 receptions.
Despite the absence of Himzon, the Knights still fought hard in Set 2 after Dave Lardizabal tied things up at 23-all. But Rosman and Book buried the last two hits to close out the frame and move closer to a sweep.
Rosman then came out blazing in Set 3 after unleashing three straight attacks that fueld a 6-1 start for San Beda while opposite hitter Ralph Cabalsa made his presence felt as well by bringing them to a 16-8 cushion off a combination play.
Letran failed to regain any momentum from that point as Book converted back-to-back kills for a huge 20-13 lead before Rosman finished the job.
Cabalsa poured in 14 points while veteran moddle blocker Anrie Bakil posted 11 markers built on three blocks as San Beda made quick work of the Knights.
Bembem Bautista carried the load for Letran with 12 points and eight receptions.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News