Camille Naredo

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas squandered a two-set lead but avoided a reverse sweep at the hands of Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers&#x27; Turf Invitational Conference, Friday at the Paco Arena.The Golden Spikers pulled through in a marathon affair, claiming a 26-24, 25-22, 35-37, 19-25, 22-20 victory in two hours and 37 minutes.Josh Ybañez came through in crunch time for UST, firing back-to-back kills to finish off Alpha Insurance and help the Golden Spikers improve to 3-1 in the tournament. “Blangko na. Ang nasa isip ko lang isa lang — kapag umangat ang bola, papaluin ko lang talaga,” said Ybañez of his mindset in the final moments. “Of course, I’m always proud sa mga teammates ko and I’m so happy na we ended up getting the result that we want.”Alpha Insurance showed its fighting spirit, erasing seven match points in the third set JJ Javelona’s push shot and Vince Himzon’s block on Ybañez capped a marathon 37-35 win.Himzon and Barbie San Andres then powered Alpha’s decisive 5-1 finishing kick in the fourth, turning a slim 20-18 edge into a six-point closeout to force a decider.Riding that momentum, the Protectors seized two match points at 14-12 in the fifth, but Sherwin Umandal delivered an off-the-block kill before Rocky Motol misfired on an attack, extending the duel.That opened the door for Ybañez to take over, delivering again in the clutch as UST finally escaped.Al-Bukharie Sali paced UST with a career-high 28 points, while Ybañez finished with a stellar all-around outing of 20 points and 30 excellent receptions. Andrei Delicana chipped in 17 points, Trevor Valera added 14, and setter Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense with 33 excellent sets alongside six points.Edriel Alabar also stood out on defense with 31 excellent receptions and 23 digs.UST will next face unbeaten Criss Cross on Sunday before meeting Cignal on Wednesday.For Alpha Insurance, JJ Javelona led the way with 22 points but was not fielded in the fifth set, while Himzon tallied 18 points. Don Nadera and San Andres added 15 and 11 points, respectively, as the Protectors took advantage of UST’s 45 unforced errors.Alpha slipped to 2-2 for solo fifth and will try to bounce back against VNS on Wednesday, still at the Paco Arena.

University of Santo Tomas squandered a two-set lead but avoided a reverse sweep at the hands of Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Friday at the Paco Arena.

University of Santo Tomas squandered a two-set lead but avoided a reverse sweep at the hands of Alpha Insurance in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Friday at the Paco Arena.

Spikers' Turf: Ybañez delivers as UST outlasts Alpha Insurance in marathon

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Volleyball

Spikers' Turf: Ybañez delivers as UST outlasts Alpha Insurance in marathon

ABS-CBN News

Published November 07, 2025 09:13 PM PHT

Read More:

abssports

volleyball

Spikers' Turf

Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference

Alpha Insurance

UST Golden Spikers

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.