University of Santo Tomas weathered a third-set collapse before regrouping to defeat defending champion Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, and extend their semifinal series in the 2025 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Golden Spikers leaned on Alas Pilipinas standout Josh Ybanez, Gboy de Vega, and Trevor Valera to stay alive after losing Game 1 on Wednesday. The win gives UST a shot at a finals return when the series heads to a decider this weekend.

Ybanez leads late rally for Golden Spikers

After blowing a 16-10 lead in the third set, UST regrouped in the fourth. Valera’s quick hits gave them a 22-19 cushion, but FEU rallied with attacks from Mikko Espartero and clutch blocks from Amet Bituin and Doula Ndongala to level at 22-all.

This time, UST delivered in the clutch. Valera broke the tie, and Ybanez followed with back-to-back kills to seal the win in one hour and 51 minutes.

Ybanez finished with 25 points on 23 attacks and two aces, while also recording 26 receptions and 13 digs. De Vega added 22 points and 15 receptions, while Valera chipped in 12 markers. Al Bukharie-Sali contributed 10 points.

FEU’s title defense on the line

Espartero and Ndongala each scored 14 points to pace the Tamaraws, with Ndongala registering a game-high five blocks. Bituin added 10 points, while Mendoza had eight.

Head coach Odjie Mamon praised his team’s response after their collapse. “Five-setters are a test of character talaga. Tapos itong kanina, I called a timeout at 22-all in the fourth set, sabi ko lang na sila yung naglalaro doon sa loob ng court,” he said. “They must get through the same situation tulad nung nangyari sa third set. Lumabas naman yung kakayahan nila.”

The two squads now head to a winner-take-all Game 3 on Saturday, October 6, at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal. UST will try to reach its first finals since 2023, while FEU aims to keep its championship defense alive.