The UST Golden Spikers stunned the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws, 25-18, 21-25, 26-24, 26-24, to book their second-straight finals ticket in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament, on Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning MVP Josh Ybañez kept the Golden Spikers in control of the match with 19 points, while Gboy De Vega added 18 markers as the number-four seed defied FEU's twice-to-beat advantage to return to the men's volleyball finals.
Consequently, the Golden Spikers will be facing the three-peat champions NU Bulldogs in the title series for the second straight season.
With the win, UST also became the first fourth-seed team to enter the men's volleyball finals in the sport's Final Four era.
"Actually, I just let them play the whole match, kaunti lang yung interference ko. I was actually a cheerleader earlier not their coach," UST head coach Odjie Mamon bared.
"I let them play and they delivered,” he added.
The España-based squad zoomed on a blazing start, firing four consecutive points highlighted by Umandal's block, to take the first set, 25-18.
After UST's 5-0 burst early in the second frame, FEU seized back control late, knotting the set score with a 5-1 finishing run, 21-25.
In the third set, both teams traded attacks until De Vega unleashed two straight blocks to go ahead, 26-24.
Much like the fourth canto, the match turned into a nip-and-tuck affair before Umandal scores off a block and De Vega punctuated the game with a check ball, 26-24.
Umandal also contributed 16 markers, while Paul Colinares scored 12 for the Golden Spikers.
Meanwhile, Zhydryx Saavedra exploded with 20 points while Jose Javelona provided 16 points for the Tamaraws’ final effort of the season.
UST will face the Bulldogs on Saturday, May 11, at the same venue.
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