College of Saint Benilde avoided a late collapse to stun defending champion Far Eastern University in a gripping five-set showdown, 31-29, 25-21, 17-25, 19-25, 17-15, and claim its second win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, September 7, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

After struggling for most of the tournament, the Blazers finally displayed resilience in crunch time, with NCAA MVP Rocky Motol and scorer Reymark Betco spearheading the upset that took two hours and 13 minutes to finish.

Betco erupted for 24 points on 23 attacks and one block, while Motol added 20 markers, highlighted by a game-clinching rejection in the decider. Motol also anchored the floor defense with 22 receptions and six digs.

“Pag mga ganoon na sitwasyon na nagbibigay ng error at wala na kaming timeout, wala nang substitution, at wala nang challenge, it’s up to them na. Nasa kanila na yung gusto nila mangyari. Ginusto nila ‘yon, mula sa 31-29 na first set namin hanggang sa dulo,” said Blazers head coach Arnold Laniog.

Blazers hold nerve, Tamaraws falter late

Benilde trailed 3-6 in the deciding set but mounted a 10-4 run capped by back-to-back Betco points for a 13-10 lead. FEU clawed back to reach match point at 15-14, yet errors haunted the Tamaraws, and the Blazers capitalized with clutch plays from Betco, Mike Balbacal, and Motol to close out the upset.

Balbacal chipped in nine points, including three blocks, while skipper John Austero and Paul Jordan contributed eight and seven, respectively.

Despite Luis Miguel’s 15-point spark off the bench and setter Rhodson Du-ot’s 25 excellent sets, FEU slumped to its third straight loss, sliding to 3-3 and solo fourth. Middle blocker Lirick Mendoza and sophomore Amet Bituin both scored 19 points but could not prevent the Tamaraws’ collapse.

The Blazers improved to 2-4 and will wrap up their campaign against the NU Bulldogs on September 10. FEU, meanwhile, faces a pivotal clash against Letran with its semifinal hopes at stake.