FEU dominates NU to regain winning form

Far Eastern University roared back into the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge win column with a dominant straight-set win over reigning UAAP champion National University, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23, at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday. 

Recovering from a reverse-sweep defeat to Perpetual last week, FEU's Jerold Talisayan, Mikko Espartero, and Dryx Saavedra led the charge, helping the Tamaraws secure their third win of the season and move to 3-1, breaking their tie with the Bulldogs for the second seed.

"Yung game siguro talagang pinaghandaan lang namin maigi kasi sabi nga sa mga bata, pagkagaling sa loss, medyo mabigat 'eh, pero if you lose, don't lose the lesson," said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo.

Facing a five-point deficit in the third set, 16-11, the Tamaraws mounted a 9-2 rally spearheaded by Saavedra’s four consecutive attacks to reclaim a two-point lead, 20-18.

After a crucial down-the-line hit by Mac Bandola brought NU within one point, 23-22, Amet Bituin and Talisayan delivered the decisive plays to seal the set.

Talisayan was instrumental, scoring five of FEU’s last eight points in the opening set.

The Tamaraws' defensive prowess, including a 4-0 block performance and three aces, helped them establish a commanding two-set lead.

"Marami pa kailangan linisin. Tulad kanina yung atake, yung blocking, yung receiving, yung chance ball, yung mga unforced errors, paano nangyayari 'yon 'eh everyday ginagawa naman," Orcullo added.

Talisayan led FEU with 13 points, including 11 attacks and two aces, while Saavedra and Espartero contributed 11 points each.

FEU will next face reigning V-League champions De La Salle University on Sunday, August 25, at 3 p.m.

NU, missing key players Buds Buddin, Choi Diao, Jade Disquitado, Jade Ordiales, and head coach Dante Alinsunurin due to national team commitments, will look to end a two-game losing streak against Ateneo de Manila University at 5 p.m. on the same day.