Game today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

2 p.m. — UST vs La Salle

The second and last twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four will be at stake when University of Santo Tomas (UST) and De La Salle University clash in a playoff duel in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Game time is at 2 p.m., with the winner securing the Final Four bonus heading into their next meeting on Saturday.

National University (NU), which topped the elimination round with a 12-2 record, already holds a twice-to-beat incentive and will face fourth-seeded Far Eastern University (FEU).

UST and La Salle, on the other hand, finished tied with FEU at 9-5, even matching each other with 27 ranking points. However, based on set ratio, the Golden Tigresses and the Lady Spikers earned the chance to battle it out for the No. 2 seed.

UST and La Salle have split their previous Final Four encounters. The Lady Spikers came out on top in Season 85 en route to capturing the title while the Golden Tigresses exacted revenge to reach the Finals last year.

For UST head coach Kungfu Reyes, it all boils down to who wants it more.

“La Salle says the same thing — they know us well, we know them well. We know who their staff are, and they know our go-to players, and we know theirs. This playoff will be a battle of mental and emotional toughness,” Reyes said.

UST drew first blood in their elimination round meeting with a hard-fought 25-12, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13 victory last 26 February. La Salle responded by snatching a thrilling 15-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-20, 16-14 victory on 29 March.

UST will once again rely on the explosive duo of Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado while La Salle leans on the steady hands of Angel Canino and Shevana Laput.

The Lady Spikers also boast a formidable frontline anchored by Amie Provido and Lilay del Castillo, while the Golden Tigresses count on Em Banagua and Pia Abbu to patrol the net.

Playmaking will also be crucial. UST’s Cassie Carballo looks to bounce back after a shaky performance against NU, while La Salle’s rookie setter Mikole Reyes will be tested in the high-pressure environment.