UST needed every ounce of composure and grit to survive a rollercoaster showdown, edging Alpha Insurance in a dramatic 26-24, 25-22, 35-37, 19-25, 22-20 victory in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at Paco Arena on Friday, November 7.

After nearly letting a comfortable two-set lead slip away, the Golden Spikers closed strong behind star hitter and Alas Pilipinas standout Josh Ybañez, who hammered the final two points to secure UST’s second straight win and improve to 3-1 in the standings.

UST leans on clutch composure in marathon match

The Golden Spikers looked headed for a sweep before Alpha Insurance stormed back, saving seven match points in a grueling third set and forcing a decider behind JJ Javelona and Vince Himzon.

UST then dug deep in the fifth, erasing two match points as Sherwin Umandal and Rocky Motol traded pressure plays. With the match hanging, Ybañez sealed the comeback with an off-the-block kill and a smart strike to the sideline, finishing with 20 points and 30 excellent receptions.

Al-Bukharie Sali soared with a career-high 28 points, while Andrei Delicana added 17 and Trevor Valera chipped in 14. Libero Edriel Alabar anchored the floor with 31 excellent receptions and 23 digs, and setter Dux Yambao delivered 33 excellent sets and six points.

Alpha Insurance shows fight but falls short

Alpha refused to fold, clawing back behind Javelona’s 22 points and key plays from Himzon and Barbie San Andres. The Protectors forced a decider and even reached match point twice, but missed opportunities and late errors proved costly as they slipped to 2-2.

Alpha will seek to regain momentum against VNS next week, while UST braces for an unbeaten Criss Cross squad on Sunday before facing defending champion Cignal.