The UST Golden Spikers returned to the winning column after pulling a reverse sweep against the National University Bulldogs, 28-30, 22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-9, on Sunday, March 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Carrying the scoring load for the Golden Spikers is super-sophomore Josh Ybañez, resetting his career-high to 34 points built on 31 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace.

The Golden Spikers lost their rhythm in the first two sets after the Bulldogs erased the team’s 11-point lead in the opening frame.

Despite being down by two sets and tied at 23 all, Ybañez remained composed and used his veteran wit to make a placement shot and send the Golden Spikers to set point.

The third set ended with an anti-climatic center line violation from NU’s super rookie Jade Disquitado, 25-23.

Trailing by as much as seven points in the fourth set, Gboy De Vega, who started slow, recovered just in time to help the Golden Spikers tie the scores at 21 apiece.

UST eventually forced the game into a fifth and deciding set after De Vega hammered down an overpass from NU’s libero.

Despite his attack error that tied the game at 4-all, UST’s open hitter was quick to redeem himself with a strong hit from the left bin, which initiated the Golden Spikers’ 5-0 run.

It was all Tigers from there as Ybañez punctuated the stunning comeback with a combination play for his career-high 34th point and the win.

“Masaya po ako kasi habang naglalaro syempre hindi ko kita yung score ko so as long as kaya kong magcontribute sa team sa kahit anong pamamaraan gagawin ko. Sobrang happy ako kasi I know it’s a collaborative effort hindi lang ako,” said Ybañez, who also logged 25 excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, in their loss, NU was led by Disquitado and Leo Aringo, who scored 20 points and 18 points, respectively.

Next in line for the Golden Spikers are the still winless UP Fighting Maroons, after the easter break, on April 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.