The FEU Tamaraws earned a twice-to-beat advantage, while the NU Bulldogs improved their chances of getting the bonus as well in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament.
Far Eastern University secured the top seed and twice-to-beat advantage after defeating the University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-17, 25-22, 25-16, for their eighth consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday, April 20.
This marks the first time since Season 74 that FEU clinched the top spot after the elimination round, which was also the last time they emerged as champions.
The Fighting Maroons fought back from a 12-19 deficit in the third set through the contributions of Jaivee Malabanan and Louis Gamban. However, the Tamaraws ultimately secured victory with Jomel Codilla's decisive spike off a combination play.
Ariel Cacao catapulted FEU to victory with 13 excellent sets as scoring was well-distributed among FEU's players, with nearly all 12 position players contributing points, led by Andrei Delicana with 11 points and Dryx Saavedra with eight.
Gamban and Daniel Nicolas led UP's scoring department with 10 and nine points, respectively, as the Fighting Maroons fell to a 1-12 record, with their next match against the University of the East scheduled for next Saturday.
In the second game, National University vented its ire after their four-set loss against De La Salle University after clobbering Adamson University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-16, 25-18.
The Bulldogs improved to a 10-3 record for second place, just above the Green Spikers who are at 9-3 in the standings.
Similar to their dominant outings in the first and second set, NU gave themselves a five-point lead at 19-14 after back-to-back hits by Nico Almendras and Buds Buddin.
The Bulldogs continued to pounce on the Falcons as Leo Aringo delivered the winning attack for another comfortable victory.
Owa Retamar orchestrated to perfection NU's victory as he finished with 15 excellent sets to go along with one service ace.
Aringo had 14 points while Almedras finished with 13 markers in the victory.
Ahmed Tahiluddin was the Falcons' highest scorer with eight points as Adamson dropped to a 4-9 record.
As they conclude the eliminations, NU will face FEU on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.