The FEU Tamaraws kept their title hopes alive after sweeping the NU Bulldogs, 25-22, 25-22, 25-20, to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
FEU will get another shot at the championship when the two teams meet again on Sunday, October 11, at 2 p.m.
After dropping Game 1, the Tamaraws responded with a more composed performance, leaning on their net defense and floor coverage to limit NU’s opportunities and take the first 2 sets.
FEU Shows Poise to Stay Alive
The Morayta-based squad also showed its resolve in the third frame, where Mikko Espartero delivered consecutive kills to push FEU ahead, 19-16.
NU refused to go down without a fight as Jade Disquitado and Choi Diao brought the Bulldogs within 1 point, 20-21. However, FEU answered with four straight points to seal the sweep and send the series to a deciding match.
Amet Bituin led the Tamaraws with 14 points on 12 attacks and 2 blocks. Dryx Saavedra added 13 points, while Charles Absin chipped in 12 markers, including 3 kill blocks. Espartero contributed 3 crucial points off the bench.
FEU assistant coach Ferdinand Manalon credited the team’s adjustments after their opening-game defeat, saying they returned to the system they had struggled to execute in Game 1.
“Back to the drawing board lang kami, kasi kailangan naming bumawi. Binalik lang namin ‘yung system na wala kami nung Game 1,” said Manalon.
Improvements Are Key for Tamaraws
Manalon also emphasized the importance of improving the players’ timing and movement during practice.
“’Yung body language nung Game 1, makikita mo agad sa galaw na parang wala lahat sa timing. Yun lang pinagtuunan namin sa ensayo, lahat kailangan pinag-iisipan ‘yung bawat galaw at kilos,” he added.
For NU, Disquitado finished with a match-high 17 points, including 15 attacks, while RK Medino provided 11 points off the bench. However, the Bulldogs’ 18 errors proved costly as they missed the opportunity to close out the series.
