Back to the Drawing Board: FEU’s Fix Forces Decisive Game 3

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The Far Eastern University Tamaraws went back to basics and delivered a statement win. FEU beat National University, 25-22, 25-22, 25-20, Friday, October 9, at the FilOil Centre to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals.

The two rivals meet again Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m. to decide the champion. FEU, the reigning two-time titlist, now has a one-game shot at defending its crown.

FEU Tamaraws Close Out NU Bulldogs With a Decisive 4-0 Run

FEU overcame an early deficit in the third set before Mikko Espartero delivered back-to-back kills to make it 19-16. The bench spark gave the Tamaraws some breathing room.

NU did not go quietly. Jade Disquitado and Choi Diao combined to cut the gap to one point, 20-21, but the rally only fired up the Tamaraws, who answered with a 4-0 run to end the match.

Amet Bituin led FEU with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks. Dryx Saavedra added 12 attack points and one block, while Charles Absin chipped in 12 points, including three kill blocks.

Espartero contributed three timely points off the bench. FEU leaned on defensive pressure from the opening set to create transition chances and take control of the first two sets.

Amet Bituin led FEU with 14 points as the Tamaraws kept their championship hopes alive against NU. [PVL Images]

Manalon Explains FEU’s Game 2 Reset in the V-League Finals

Coach Ferdinand Manalon said FEU simply returned to what was missing in Game 1. “Back to the drawing board lang kami, kasi kailangan naming bumawi. Binalik lang namin ‘yung system na wala kami nung Game 1,” he said.

Manalon said the Tamaraws’ body language in Game 1 showed in their movements, which were out of sync. The longtime deputy said practice focused on making every movement and action deliberate.

The Tamaraws’ net defense and floor coverage also forced uncharacteristic errors from NU. That allowed the Morayta-based squad to hold its advantage and finish the straight-sets win.

NU, which is seeking its first championship since 2022, got a match-high 17 points from Disquitado, 15 of them on attacks. RK Medino added 11 points off the bench, but 18 errors kept the Bulldogs from closing out the series.