NU ousts UST, books 10th straight stint in UAAP men's volleyball finals

National University flexed its might as it dispatched University of Santo Tomas, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, in the do-or-die match of the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With NU holding a twice-to-beat advantage, the win brought the Bulldogs to their tenth straight finals appearance as they continue the bid for their fifth straight title.

NU was already leading 21-19 in the third set before Gboy De Vega and Al-Bukharie Sali tied the set. De Vega's service error gave NU the advantage but Sali evened the set anew. 

Leo Ordiales' hammer put NU in front before a double contact error was called on the Bulldogs. Buds Buddin then put the Bulldogs at match point, while Jade Disquitado sealed the victory and assured NU of a ticket to the finals.

Ordiales had 20 points anchored on 19 attacks, while Disquitado had 14 points for NU. Greg Ancheta, meanwhile, had all of NU's 18 excellent sets.

Josh Ybañez had 14 points, while De Vega had 12 points for UST who pushed NU to the rubber match after taking the series opener last Saturday. UST ended the elimination round with a 9-5 record.

NU will go against Far Eastern University for the men's volleyball crown in the best-of-three series which will commence on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News