UST’s Josh Ybañez. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA — University of Sto. Tomas improved its chances of clinching a Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament after defeating the University of the Philippines.

The Golden Spikers etched a 25-13, 25-22, 25-21 triumph over the Fighting Maroons on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Josh Ybañez delivered 23 points, 10 receptions, and five digs to lead the España-based squad, while Gboy De Vega finished with 13 points, 11 receptions, and three digs.

UST improved to 7-4 in the standings and tallied its third straight win, while UP absorbed its 11th straight defeat of the year. 

“Yung nangyayari sa team namin, medyo nakukuha na namin yung rhythm kasi yun yung naging problema namin nung first round,” said UST deputy coach Ben Mape after the game.

“This time, napag-aralan na namin yun during the break so na-focus namin yung communication with each other,” he added.

It was a dominant victory for the Golden Spikers as they overwhelmed the Fighting Maroons in attack points (50-37), blocks (5-1), and aces (4-1), while also producing better outings in digs (30-18), sets (20-13), and receptions (34-29).

This spoiled the performances of Angelo Lagando, who had 12 points, and Jaivee Malabanan who finished with 10 markers and nine receptions. 

Gboy De Vega provided the clutch hits in the second set, while second-stringers Trevor Valera and Kenneth Salvador contributed in the third set for the Golden Spikers' win in one hour and 21 minutes.

UST’s next assignment will be Far Eastern University whom they will face on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while UP will attempt to secure their first win on Saturday against the 4-6 Adamson University.