UST Stuns NU in Four Sets, Forces Playoff for 2nd Seed

University of Santo Tomas pulled off a stunning comeback, rallying from a seven-point deficit in the fourth set to defeat defending champion National University, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23. With the win, the Golden Spikers forced a playoff for the second seed and the final twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament. The match took place on Wednesday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The victory saw UST finish the elimination round tied with NU at 10-4, setting up a crucial playoff to determine which team will earn the coveted postseason advantage. The playoff will take place on Saturday, April 25, and effectively serves as a best-of-three series.

Beyond the excitement of securing a playoff spot, UST enters the match with significant momentum, having closed the elimination round on a four-game winning streak. Meanwhile, NU enters the showdown on the heels of two consecutive losses to end the elimination round.

This defeat marked the first time in a decade that the Bulldogs had suffered back-to-back elimination-round losses, the last instance occurring in Season 78 (2016), when they dropped consecutive games to Ateneo de Manila and Far Eastern University.

Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon attributed the win to two key adjustments: introducing fresh legs off the bench and reminding his players not to succumb to pressure. "We were up by two sets in the fourth. Why should they be feeling pressure?" Mamon said. "That was the key message for the fourth set."

After claiming the third set, NU appeared ready to push the match to a deciding fifth set, opening with a commanding 13-6 lead, fueled by crucial contributions from Choi Diao and Buds Buddin.

However, UST mounted a swift and powerful counterattack, led by substitute Sherwin Umandal, who scored five of his nine points during a pivotal 10-2 run. His cut shot and down-the-line hit capped the run, giving UST a narrow 16-15 advantage.

A service error by NU’s Josh Ybañez allowed UST to build on their momentum, and despite the Bulldogs' best efforts, the Golden Spikers held firm. JJ Macam delivered a crosscourt hit, Umandal converted a through-the-block attack, and Ybañez sealed the win with an off-the-block hit, completing the comeback.

"I’ve always believed in [Sherwin] since our rookie and sophomore years," said Ybañez, who had 27 points, 26 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs. "I knew he was just waiting for the right moment to prove himself, and I’m so happy with how he performed today."

Valera continued his strong run with 17 points, including 15 attacks, one block, and one ace. Rookie Joncriz Ayco also made a significant contribution with 10 points.

Umandal’s entire nine-point tally came in the fourth set, while Gboy de Vega added eight points along with 11 excellent receptions and six excellent digs. Vryvin Catinsag chipped in with six points, and team captain Dux Yambao provided 31 excellent sets. Sophomore libero Edriel Alabar posted 14 excellent receptions and 12 digs.

For NU, Leo Ordiales led with 17 points and three excellent digs, while Obed Mukaba followed closely with 16 points, including eight blocks. Buddin contributed 15 points and 21 excellent receptions, and Disquitado added 10 points, 18 excellent receptions, and four excellent digs.