UAAP: UST beats NU to force playoff for No. 2 in men’s volleyball

The University of Santo Tomas defeated National University, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Golden Spikers and the Bulldogs finished the elimination round tied at 10-4, forcing a playoff for the No. 2 spot and the coveted twice-to-beat advantage.

Josh Ybañez led the España-based squad with 27 points, all from attacks, along with 26 receptions and six digs. Trevor Valera and Joncriz Ayco added 17 and 10 points, respectively.

For National University, Leo Ordiales scored 17 points, while Obed Mukaba and Buds Buddin chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, in a preview of their upcoming Final Four matchup, top-seeded Far Eastern University defeated Ateneo de Manila University, 29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 25-19.

The Tamaraws closed the elimination round with a 13-1 record heading into the semifinals, while Ateneo dropped to 7-7.

Amet Bituin paced FEU with 21 points and 14 receptions, while Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively.

For Ateneo, Aimar Okeke tallied 24 points and eight receptions, while Jian Salarzon added 13 points and 25 receptions.

—JKC, GMA News