The De La Salle Green Spikers celebrate against the FEU Tamaraws in Game 2 of the 2024 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge Finals, Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. PVL Media

MANILA -- De La Salle University kept alive its title defense in the 2024 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge after a hard-earned win against Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Green Spikers took Game 2 of the best-of-3 series, 25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20, to push the Finals to a deciding match.

Chris Hernandez led the way for the Taft spikers with 23 points on 17 kills, four blocks and two aces on top of 19 excellent receptions and five digs. Meanwhile, Noel Kampton made a successful return for La Salle, coming off the bench for nine points. 

"Added reinforcement para sa team and at the same time, kailangan niya pa mag-ano kasi bumalik lang siya yesterday. Hoping na itong remaining two days maka-adjust siya," said La Salle head coach Jose Roque of Kampton, who missed most of their campaign due to his commitments with Alas Pilipinas.

FEU had beaten La Salle in Game 1, 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19, for a 1-0 series lead.

FULL STORY: Tamaraws near V-League crown after overcoming La Salle

The Tamaraws threatened to send the match to a deciding fifth set after coming within three-points, 21-18, thanks to a service error by Kampton and a kill block by Amet Bituin.

But Bituin committed his own service fault, and Eco Adajar came up with a clutch rejection of Jerold Talisayan that sent the Green Spikers on their way to victory.

"Somehow, it paid off -- lahat ng training and at the same time, 'yun 'yung gusto ng team ang manalo. They played their best," said Roque.

The do-or-die Game 3 is set for Friday.

Glen Ventura contributed 12 points for La Salle, all from attacks, while Joshua Magalaman chipped in nine markers. Yoyong Mendoza and Eric Layug also stepped up with seven points each, helping secure the pivotal victory.

Adajar orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets, while team captain Menard Guerrero was a force on defense with 13 digs.

On the other side, Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 18 points from 16 attacks and two blocks. Lirick Mendoza and Talisayan added 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Benny Martinez finished with 18 excellent sets in the losing effort.