Defending champion National University reasserted its mastery over top seed Far Eastern University, 25-22, 25-21, 25-20, to wrap up its elimination round campaign on a high note in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, April 24, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs stayed at the No. 2 spot with an 11-3 record in the standings as they were the only squad to beat the Tamaraws in the eliminations while also ending the latter’s eight-game winning streak.

With the win, NU earned itself at least a playoff for the last twice-to-beat berth with the surging De La Salle side playing spoiler behind them.

The Bulldogs can only hope the Green Spikers come out the losing side against University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Sunday, April 27, to secure the semifinal bonus.

“Sobrang happy ako sa naging performance namin. Importante lang sa amin mag training lang ulit kami kung ano man ang mangyari sa last game ng elimination round,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin as they are assured to face La Salle in the next round but what their rank would be remains hanging in the balance.

Despite the loss, FEU clinched the first Final Four incentive after finishing on top at 12-2.

Buds Buddin and Nico Almendras delivered the goods for the Bulldogs with 15 attack each as they finished with 17 and 15 points, respectively, in the balanced scoring.

Leo Aringo, for his part, added 11 markers all on kills made.

Meanwhile, JJ Javelona was all alone in the offensive fight for FEU spiker as he finished with 13 points with five receptions while Andrei Delicana and Dryx Saavedra were held to eight points apiece.

In the earlier play, Ateneo capped its own campaign on a bright note with a route of Adamson, 25-22, 25-21, 25-17.

The Blue Eagles ended the season with an even 7-7 card, the same record it had last season when it fell short of the Final Four.

Jian Salarzon once again led Ateneo with 21 points, including two blocks, nine excellent receptions, and seven digs, while Batas had 12 points and eight digs. 

For Falcons, it was Jude Aguilar who paced the reeling side with 12 points as the Soaring Falcons ended at sixth spot with a 4-10 slate.