Perpetual-Kinto Tyres held off Ateneo-Fudgee Barr, 25-23, 25-21, 25-20, to stay in the hunt for the second playoffs slot in Pool A of the 2023 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila Friday.
The victory enabled the Altas to force a tie for second with the Army Troopers at 3-1 (win-loss) records with the former holding the edge in the tiebreaker via the points system, 8-6.
Perpetual will close out its elims campaign against winless Don Pacundo-La Salle Dasmariñas on Wednesday while the Troopers will go up against the pool's guaranteed first seed Sta. Elena-National U on Sunday.
"Exam week kasi namin kaya medyo kulang kami ng practice kasi finofocus ko sila sa exams pero of course nandoon pa rin yung eagerness nila to win kasi gusto namin makapasok talaga sa quarterfinals," said Altas head coach Sammy Acaylar after his wards wrapped up the contest in 87 minutes.
Jefferson Marapoc tallied 16 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two aces for Perpetual while Louie Ramirez finished with 12 points and 12 excellent receptions and Michael Medalla and KC Andrade had 10 points apiece.
JC Enarciso also produced an impressive 23-excellent set showing while libero John Philip Pepito posted 11 digs and 10 receptions.
Ken Batas paced the Blue Eagles, who wound up with a 1-4 card, with 17 points, seven receptions and six digs.
