UST Survives Benilde in Five-Set Thriller, Boosts V-League Semis Bid

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University of Santo Tomas (UST) survived a five-set thriller to take the upper hand in the race for the last semifinals spot. The Golden Spikers outlasted De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in a two-hour, 35-minute marathon.

UST won by set scores of 25-15, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26 and 22-20. The men’s match took place Sunday, Sept. 20, at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City as part of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

UST survived Benilde in five sets to strengthen its bid for the final semifinals berth in the V-League Collegiate Challenge. [PVL Images]

UST Holds Off Benilde in Deciding Set

UST threatened to close out the match early in the deciding set. JJ Macam drilled back-to-back kills to give the Golden Spikers a 9-4 cushion.

Benilde refused to go away. Reymark Betco and Rocky Motol sparked a comeback for the Blazers and forced a deuce at 20-all.

A booming kill from GBoy De Vega clipped the line and gave UST a match-point advantage. Macam and Al-Bukharie Sali then teamed up to deny Betco and seal the win. It was the Golden Spikers’ third win of the tournament.

Coach Benjamin Mape handled the team with head coach Odjie Mamon also seated on the bench. Mape credited his players after the win.

“Ginusto ng mga bata; sila naman ang nag-perform. Kami, naging guide lang kami don sa game. Ginusto nila kaya nakuha namin tong panalo,” said Mape.

De Vega, Alabar Power UST’s Semis Push

De Vega was a major threat on both ends of the court. He finished with 23 points on 22 kills and a service ace, and he added 22 excellent receptions.

Sali and Macam chipped in 22 and 15 points, respectively. Still, UST’s solid service reception ultimately proved to be the difference, with libero Edriel Alabar tallying 28 excellent receptions.

Betco kept the Blazers in the fight with a game-high 29 points, while Motol added 12 markers. However, Benilde was undone by UST’s 70-57 advantage in attacks, leaving the Blazers on the brink of elimination.

UST will try to secure the last semifinals berth against defending champion and rival Far Eastern University on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. Benilde will make one last push against De La Salle University next week at 3 p.m.