The UST Golden Spikers forced a do-or-die match for a Finals slot after taking down the FEU Tamaraws in straight sets in the Final Four of UAAP Season 86 on Sunday, May 5.
The University of Santo Tomas kept its season alive after holding off Far Eastern University in straight sets, 25-23, 25-19, 28-26, in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, May 5.
While MVP Josh Ybañez had his usual double-digit outing for the Golden Spikers with 16 points, it was lefty-opposite hitter Sherwin Umandal who took the spotlight in the big-time win, delivering 14 points all from attacks.
This was UST's first win over FEU in Season 86, and the timing couldn't be any better as the Golden Spikers erase the twice-to-beat advantage of the no. 1 Tamaraws.
Similar to the first set, the Golden Spikers and the Tamaraws were neck-and-neck heading into the latter part of the decisive frame.
Tied at 20-all in the third set, the Golden Spikers grabbed two-straight points after back-to-back kill blocks by Jay Rack De La Noche and Paul Colinares.
Dryx Saavadra would get one back for FEU, before Ybañez connected on an off-the-block hit to push UST to 23 points. Martin Bugaoan and Saavadra though managed to keep FEU alive to force an extended set.
The Golden Spikers then turned to Gboy De Vega, who delivered three clutch points, before Ybañez sealed the win with an out-of-system spike which the Tamaraws could not contain.
De Vega contributed 10 markers in the win, while Colinares also had 10 on six attacks and four blocks.
Saavedra, on the other hand, paced FEU with 14 markers.
UST and FEU will go at it again next week in the do-or-die match for the Finals slot.