University of Santo Tomas celebrates against College of Saint Benilde in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, September 20, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. PVL Media
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas improved its semifinals chances in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after a hard-earned 25–15, 23–25, 25–22, 24–26, 22–20 victory over College of Saint Benilde, Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Golden Spikers threatened to close out the match early in the deciding set, with JJ Macam drilling back-to-back kills to give UST a 9–4 cushion. However, Reymark Betco and Rocky Motol sparked a comeback for the Blazers, forcing a deuce at 20-all.
A booming kill from GBoy De Vega that clipped the line gave UST a match-point advantage, before Macam and Al Bukhaire Sali teamed up to deny Betco and seal the two-hour-and-35-minute marathon, giving the Golden Spikers their third win.
"Ginusto ng mga bata; sila naman ang nag-perform. Kami, naging guide lang kami don sa game. Ginusto nila kaya nakuha namin tong panalo," said coach Benjamin Mape, who handled the team with head coach Odjie Mamon also seated on the bench.
De Vega was a major threat on both ends of the court, finishing with 23 points on 22 kills and a service ace while also recording 22 excellent receptions.
Sali and Macam chipped in 22 and 15 points, respectively, but UST's solid service reception ultimately proved to be the difference, with libero Edriel Alabar tallying 28 excellent receptions.
UST will try to secure the last semifinals berth when it faces defending champion and rival Far Eastern University on Saturday, September 26, at 5 p.m.
Betco kept the Blazers in the fight with a game-high 29 points, while Motol added 12 markers. However, Benilde was undone by UST's advantage in attacks, 70–57, leaving the Blazers on the brink of elimination.
Benilde will make one last push for a semifinals berth when it faces De La Salle University next week at 3 p.m.