Sali's Late Heroics Lift UST Past Feisty Mapua

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Al-Bukhari Sali delivered when it mattered most, coming up with back-to-back blocks late in the fourth set to lift UST past a feisty Mapua University, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 26-24. The win was UST’s second straight in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge.

The Golden Spikers needed every bit of that late surge on Saturday, September 12, at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. UST moved into a share of fifth place with De La Salle University at 2-3, while Mapua remained winless through five matches.

Al-Bukhari Sali produced a match-high 22 points as UST overcame Mapua in four sets for its second straight V-League Collegiate Challenge victory. [PVL Images]

Sali’s Clutch Blocks Seal UST’s Comeback Win

Mapua pushed UST to the brink in the fourth set, trading points in a tight battle that saw Patrick Lardizabal’s attack put the Cardinals within reach of forcing a decider, 24-22. UST needed a response, and Sali provided it.

Sali’s back-to-back off-the-block hits swung the momentum in UST’s favor and handed the Golden Spikers match point at 25-24. Patrick Reyes then sent his attack wide on the ensuing rally, sealing UST’s win after one hour and 48 minutes.

Sali finished with a match-high 22 points on 20 attacks and two aces. Trevor Valera added 15 points with three blocks, while Gboy de Vega chipped in 10 markers to round out UST’s scoring.

UST Coach Points to Growth Despite Lapses

UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape credited his players’ growth for the win. “The players’ maturity is developing, and at the same time, their teamwork is becoming more solid,” Mape said, according to a translation of his remarks in Filipino.

Mape said the win also doubles as valuable preparation ahead of the UAAP season, where the coaching staff can identify which players have the potential to contribute. He added that the team still has lapses to correct in pressure situations.

“Sometimes they relax, and we need to fix that,” Mape said. “We still need to improve our consistency once we’re in the middle of a game.”

Reyes led Mapua with 14 points despite the loss, while Ar-jay Ramos added 13 points for the Cardinals. UST surrendered a 19-7 run in the opening set before bouncing back to take control of the match.

UST will look to keep its momentum going against Benilde on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Gameville Central Park. Mapua, meanwhile, gets just 24 hours of rest before facing Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the same venue.