It’s either win or go home for reigning champion National University and University of Santo Tomas as last year's protagonists plunge into a sudden-death Game 2 of their semifinal clash in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, May 7.
Fueled by their 27-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-18 triumph last weekend, the Golden Spikers try to close it out against the five-peat seeking Bulldogs in their 2 p.m. showdown.
The victor of the match earns the ticket to the finals where it will challenge top seed Far Eastern University, which toppled De La Salle University in the semis.
"We live [to fight] another day, pero I don’t want to be desperately playing like that. Parang desperate yung volleyball namin kanina, maganda sana if the players followed the game plan,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
“We could have done better, but I am happy we get to play on Wednesday again,” he added.
A runner-up for two consecutive seasons, the España-based squad is expected to go all out for another title shot with two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, Jay De La Noche, Gboy de Vega, and Dux Yambao leading the way.
De Vega was a revelation in UST's first victory over NU this season, chipping in 14 points to support Ybañez and De La Noche's scoring spree for the Golden Spikers.
On the other hand, Leo Oringo, Leo Ordiales, Jade Disquitado, and Greg Ancheta banner the Bulldogs as they try to redeem themselves and continue their pursuit of a fifth consecutive title in seventh finals appearance.