Tamaraws, Bulldogs dispute V-League title

Far Eastern University (FEU) and National University (NU) will dispute the men’s championship in the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals, with the title series living up to expectations ahead of Wednesday’s winner-take-all showdown at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Tamaraws turned back the Bulldogs, 25-22, 25-22, 25-20, on Friday night to force a deciding Game 3.

NU handed FEU its first loss of the season after a 9-0 start, claiming a 25-14, 39-37, 25-22 victory in last Wednesday’s series opener.

The two teams, who have faced each other in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Finals in the past two years, will meet one final time at 2 p.m. to determine the V-League champion.

Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Charles Absin delivered double-digit scoring performances in Game 2, while Mikko Espartero provided a spark off the bench. Rhodson Du-ot, meanwhile, orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with solid playmaking.

Lirick Mendoza emerged as one of FEU’s biggest revelations in the series-tying victory, contributing six points as an opposite spiker.

Seeking their first V-League crown since 2022, the Bulldogs will need a stronger showing in the deciding game. Jade Disquitado and rookie RK Medino scored in double figures in Game 2, while setter Greg Ancheta struggled to facilitate NU’s offense.