By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Golden Spikers secured a seat in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ volleyball finals after a 25-15, 25-19, 25-23 sweep over the Adamson University Baby Falcons at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

Negrense Jancriz Ayco produced 12 points, including some timely hits in the third set, as the top-seed Junior Golden Spikers moved on to the best-of-three finals against the reigning champions, the National University Nazareth School Bullpups.

Sean Cruz led the way with 13 points, while John Paul Bautista and Paolo Medino ended with 12 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Junior Golden Spikers.

Junior Golden Spikers head coach Aying Esteban said the team’s growth this season from last year is a positive sign for the future.

“‘Yung mga players ko rin talaga ‘yung nag-improve. ‘Yung sistema na pinasok namin is na-adapt lang nila nang na-adapt, kaya ‘yung mga players talaga nagtrabaho this season,” Esteban said after the game.

“Malaking bagay talaga na meron ka ng legit na setter na makakapag-perform nang maayos. Tsaka ‘yung pag-adjust namin sa spiking, talaga pinilit namin ‘yung sistema na ‘yun,” he added.

Jims Ducusin led the Baby Falcons with a match-high 16 points, while last season’s Rookie of the Year, Jhon Guevarra, added five digs and seven excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, the Bullpups edged out Season 86 finals rival University of the East Junior Warriors, 25, 27-29, 25-23, 25-22, 20-18, securing a chance to defend their title.

Team captain Migs Egger led the Bullpups with 22 points, including 15 attacks, six blocks and one service ace, while Matthew Abut chipped in 16 markers.

The Game 1 of the best-of-three finals is set for Wednesday, December 4, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila./ASC, WDJ