Josh Ybanez stares at the NU Bulldogs as the UST Golden Spikers forced a rubber match in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Final Four.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas lived another day after purging the twice-to-beat advantage of defending champion National University sans Buds Buddin, 26-24, 27-25, 19-25, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Final Four on Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With their backs against the wall — same as last year when they placed No.4 but took down the twice-to-beat Far Eastern University to return to the finals, Josh Ybañez unleashed his MVP form to lead the balanced attack of the Golden Spikers with 22 points and 16 excellent receptions to force a do-or-die game on Wednesday at the same venue.

Ybañez, who delivered the set-clinching kills in Set 2 to take a 2-0 advantage, said they just believed in themselves despite facing a five-peat-seeking Bulldogs, whom they failed to beat in the elimination round and in their past two Finals series.

READ: UAAP: NU reasserts mastery over UST ahead of men’s Final Four

UST coach Odjie Mamon, GBoy De Vega, and Josh Ybañez after living another day. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/DbiCQiWYQB

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 3, 2025

“[We] believe. We just really believe,” said Ybañez in Filipino. “NU is a strong team, but we know they can be beaten. They’re human too; they make mistakes. We also believed in ourselves and held on to each other.”

Jay Rack De La Noche also stepped up with 15 points and nine digs, while GBoy De Vega reclaimed the starter role and proved his worth with 14 points in a must-win game.

“I’m thankful because coach gave me another chance to come back and prove my doubters wrong—those who thought I couldn’t help the team. I’m just really happy that I was able to contribute in many ways, and I hope to work even harder and train even more so that in the next game, I can show an even better performance, both personally and as a team,” De Vega said.

After taking a two-set lead, NU halted UST’s momentum, dominating the third before the Golden Spikers got their act together in the fourth to complete the important win in an hour and 52 minutes. 

READ: UAAP: UST Golden Spikers make it five wins in a row

“We live to fight another day, but I don’t want us to play in such a desperate manner. Our volleyball felt desperate—it would’ve been better if the players had stuck to the game plan. We could have performed better, but I’m still happy that we get another chance to play on Wednesday,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon. 

Trevor Valera had nine points on four attacks and four blocks including seven excellent receptions, to help UST. Poy Colinares had seven points only to suffer a late injury at the end of the fourth. Dux Yambao made 20 excellent sets, while libero Edriel Alabar protected the floor 11 excellent receptions and nine digs.

NU’s five-peat dream and 10th consecutive finals appearance are in limbo after missing Buddin, who sat out due to a right ankle sprain.

Team captain Leo Aringo led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado had 15 and 14 points, respectively.