The UST Golden Spikers fell to the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-22, 24-26, 23-25, 28-26, 9-15, in their UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament second-round opener on Wednesday, March 20 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Josh Ybañez posted a career-high 33 points to lead UST in the scoring, while GBoy De Vega racked up 18 markers in the losing effort.

Blue Eagle Jian Salarzon led Ateneo, putting up a career-high 32-point performance on 29 attacks, 2 blocks, and an ace, while Ken Batas provided support, outputting 25 points for the Katipunan-based squad.

UST took control of the opening set after Ybañez put up 9 points that propelled the Tigers into a six-point cushion to clinch the set, 25-22.

The Golden Spikers and the Blue Eagles went back and forth in the second set, extending the second period punctuated by a costly attack error from De Vega to even the match, 24-26.

Riding on the momentum from the previous set, Ateneo took control of the third set, outlasting UST by two points to put themselves at set point 23-25.

UST almost let up, allowing the Blue Eagles' 6-2 run, which pushed the set to an extension.

However, team captain Dux Yambao and Paul Colinares connected on timely attacks to force the deciding set, 28-26.

After keeping it close early in the final frame, UST gave up a 6-2 run to the Blue Eagles, ending the game 9-15.

The Golden Spikers are now tied with the Blue Eagles with a 4-4 record.

The Golden Spikers are set to face off against the NU Bulldogs on Saturday, March 23 at the same venue.—With reports from Johann Coronel