The NU Bulldogs staged a remarkable comeback to end the FEU Tamaraw’s bid for a third straight title, rallying from two sets down to win, 23-26, 19-25, 30-28, 25-21, 16-14, in Game 3 of the 2026 V League Collegiate Challenge Finals at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
NU overcame multiple six-point deficits, including a late hole in the deciding set, to secure its first V-League crown since 2022 and deny the Tamaraws a championship repeat.
NU Makes FEU Pay for Miscues
With FEU leading 12-6 in the fifth set, the Bulldogs capitalized on consecutive errors from Kyle Tandooc to put together a 5-0 run and cut the deficit to 11-12.
The Tamaraws moved to championship point after a service error from Greg Ancheta and a hit from Dryx Saavedra, seemingly putting the title within reach. However, a successful NU challenge overturned the apparent match-winning play after officials ruled that Saavedra had touched the net.
Given another chance at 12-14, NU turned to rookie RK Medino, who scored 3 of the Bulldogs’ final 4 points to complete the comeback and seal the championship.
“Siyempre, sobrang thankful ako sa kanya kasi kaya naman kaming nakarating dito dahil sa kanya eh. Kaya sabi ko, it’s time na kapag may problema, si RK talaga ang bubunutin ko,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Medino, who entered the starting lineup in the third set in place of Leo Ordiales, delivered a game-high 25 points, all from attacks, to power the Bulldogs’ comeback.
Bulldogs Show Championship Pedigree
NU also had to dig deep in the third set, where Buds Buddin helped the team recover from a 22-16 deficit. The Bulldogs eventually escaped with a 30-28 win before carrying their momentum into the fourth set to force a decider.
Buddin finished with 18 points, while Finals MVP Jade Disquitado recorded 17 points and 24 excellent receptions. Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets, while Godfrey Gambo added 12 points, and Choi Diao chipped in 10.
For FEU, Season MVP Saavedra paced the Tamaraws with 27 points but could not prevent the collapse. Amet Bituin and Tandooc contributed 17 points apiece, while Rhodson Du-ot registered 27 excellent sets.
Both finalists will remain in action after the Collegiate Challenge, having secured spots in the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.
In the individual awards, Saavedra added Best Opposite Spiker to his Season MVP recognition. Bituin and Disquitado were named Best Outside Hitters, while FEU’s Doula Ndongala and Letran’s Vince Himzon shared Best Middle Blocker honors.
Du-ot took home Best Setter, while Letran’s Cordero was named Best Libero to complete the Mythical Team.
