MANILA — University of Santo Tomas delivered a statement victory, outlasting defending champion National University, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to force a playoff for the second seed and the last twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament.
With both teams finishing the eliminations at 10-4, the Golden Spikers and Bulldogs now face a playoff match to determine who earns the crucial semis incentive. UST enters the decider on a four-game winning run, while NU dropped its final two assignments.
UST coach Odjie Mamon pointed to mental composure and lineup adjustments as the difference-maker.
“I brought in fresh players and reminded them not to overthink the situation,” Mamon said. “We were ahead in the fourth set, but pressure crept in. That was what we had to fix.”
NU appeared in control in the fourth set after racing to a 13-6 lead behind Choi Diao and Buds Buddin. But UST refused to back down, with JJ Macam, Sherwin Umandal, and Josh Ybañez sparking a late surge that completed the comeback in 1:52.
Ybañez delivered a standout performance with 27 points, 26 excellent receptions, and six digs. He also highlighted Umandal’s clutch contributions.
Trevor Valera supported with 17 points, while rookie Joncriz Ayco added 10. Umandal, Gboy de Vega, and Vryvin Catinsag also made key offensive contributions.
Playmaker Dux Yambao finished with 31 excellent sets, while libero Edriel Alabar added steady defense with 14 receptions and 12 digs.
For NU, Leo Ordiales led with 17 points, followed by Obed Mukaba’s 16. Buddin and Jade Disquitado chipped in 15 and 10 points respectively, but it wasn’t enough to extend their winning hopes.
Earlier, top seed Far Eastern University secured a semifinal advantage after edging Ateneo, 29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 25-19, finishing the eliminations with a dominant 13-1 record.
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