Far Eastern University bounced back from a tough five-set defeat the last time out as it thwarted University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-22, 23-25, 25-16, 25-16, to get back into the thick of things in the V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge yesterday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Tamaraws toughened up on defense upfront to put one over the Altas, finishing with 13 blocks, including three from Lirick Mendoza and two from Dryx Saavedra.

"We made a last push to prove that we are determined to win," said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo, whose wards rallied from 0-2 set down to force a decider against Ateneo de Manila University.

Unfortunately for them, they lost their momentum on shaky service reception and yielded a 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23, 13-15 decision last Sunday.

"We worked on our blocking and improved our defense."

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas kept rolling after an opening game stumble, beating Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, in the other men's result to wrest solo second behind unbeaten Ateneo (3-0) with a 3-1 card.

Josh Ybañez unleashed a 19-point performance to power the Golden Spikers to their third straight victory after yielding to De La Salle University last 18 August. The University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 Most Valuable Player delivered 13 attacks, four blocks and two aces.

Despite the victory, UST head coach Odjie Mamon challenged his wards to do better.

"We're still working on the new system. We're back sliding. We need to work harder," Mamon said.

With the win, FEU tied with its victim at 2-2 behind Ateneo's unblemished 3-0 card while University of Santo Tomas, National University and De La Salle University all toting 2-1 slates in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.