University of Santo Tomas refused to be rattled despite squandering a 2-0 set advantage, grinding out a marathon 26-24, 25-22, 35-37, 19-25, 22-20 victory over Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena.
With the game on the line, the Golden Spikers turned to their ever-reliable star, Josh Ybañez, who delivered the final two points to seal the win after two hours and 37 minutes of intense action.
The Alas Pilipinas libero and UST outside spiker first targeted the sideline, then unleashed a decisive hit off the blockers to clinch back-to-back victories for UST in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
The win pushed the Golden Spikers to a 3-1 record, tying them at second place with Cignal, which was still playing FEU-DN Steel as of publishing time.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Blangko na. Ang nasa isip ko lang isa lang, kapag umangat ang bola papaluin ko lang talaga,” said Ybañez, recalling the final moments of the match. “Of course, I’m always proud sa mga teammates ko and I’m so happy na we ended up getting the result that we want.”
After losing the first two frames, the Protectors came alive in the third set, saving seven match points. They then took the extended frame at 37-35 behind JJ Javelona’s push shot and Vince Himzon’s solid block on Ybañez’s attack.
Alpha Insurance carried that momentum into the fourth, closing out with a 5-1 finishing run led by Himzon and Barbie San Andres. That turned a tight 20-18 lead into a 25-19 win and forced a decider.
The Protectors then appeared poised to complete the comeback, reaching two match points at 14-12 in the fifth set. However, Sherwin Umandal came through with an off-the-block hit before Rocky Motol’s attack error kept UST alive.
That opening was all the Golden Spikers needed as Ybañez capped off the thrilling finish.
Al-Bukharie Sali tallied a career-high 28 points for UST, while Ybañez produced a stellar all-around performance with 20 points and 30 excellent receptions.
Andrei Delicana chipped in 17 points, while Trevor Valera added 14 markers. Setter Dux Yambao steered the offense with 33 excellent sets alongside six points of his own.
Libero Edriel Alabar also impressed with 31 excellent receptions and 23 excellent digs.
UST now braces for a tough stretch in its schedule, taking on Criss Cross on Sunday before facing Cignal on Wednesday.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
For Alpha Insurance, Javelona led the way with 22 points but was left out of the fifth set, while Himzon contributed 18 points.
Don Nadera and San Andres added 15 and 11 markers, respectively, as the Protectors capitalized on 45 points off UST’s errors.
Falling to 2-2 for solo fifth place, Alpha Insurance will aim to bounce back on Wednesday against VNS at the same venue.
Games are broadcast live on One Sports and One Sports+, and available on-demand via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed through spikersturf.ph.
