The FEU Tamaraws can cap a fairytale run with another win —one that would be even sweeter because it comes at the expense of slaying the modern-day titans in the NU Bulldogs.
All that stands between FEU and championship no. 26 is just one win to end a dynasty — and perhaps usher a new one.
The Tamaraws eye to finish off the four-time defending champion NU Bulldogs in Game 2 of their UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals showdown on Wednesday, May 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
Match time is at 1:00 p.m
FEU clawed back from a 1-2 set deficit to stun NU in a marathon Game 1, putting themselves on the cusp of ending a 13-year championship drought.
[ALSO READ: FEU rallies past NU to take Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball Finals]
Star spiker Dryx Saavedra exploded for a game-high 25 points, while Mikko Espartero chipped in 10, providing the crucial balance against NU’s bruising frontline.
[ALSO READ: Dryx Saavedra fueled by FEU community as Tamaraws near UAAP championship]
After Buds Buddin’s serve error gave FEU match point at 14-12, NU’s Jade Disquitado fought back with a kill, but it was rookie sensation Bituin who sealed it with a hit off the hands of Nico Ancheta to complete the comeback.
“Gutom kami. ‘Yung gutom kasi minsan ang daming nagagawang alam mo 'yung preparation kung paano mo gagawin, kung talagang gusto mo 'yung isang bagay. 'Yun nga ang usapan namin na pilitin nating kunin kasi prepared naman tayo sa lahat ng mangyayari,” Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo told reporters in the aftermath of the after the two-hour, 31-minute battle.
[ALSO READ: UAAP Finals: Hunger for breakthrough title fuels FEU's Game 1 stunner over NU]
Furthermore, FEU also handed NU its first Finals opening-loss in eight years.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]