FEU’s Dryx Saavedra against UP in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Dryx Saavedra rose to the occasion when it mattered most for Far Eastern University.

With the Tamaraws on the ropes, the Season 86 Best Opposite Hitter exploded for 29 points as FEU denied the reverse sweep bid of University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, 29-31, 15-12, to clinch the first Final 4 ticket in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball tournament, Sunday morning, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Reeling from a tough five-set loss to the National University Bulldogs last Sunday, the Tamaraws rebounded in thrilling fashion, improving to a 10-1 record to clinch the first postseason ticket in the eight-team field.

FEU will make its sixth consecutive Final Four appearance dating back to Season 79 and is now eyeing to secure a twice-to-beat bonus with three matches left in the eliminations.

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The win also reaffirmed FEU's dominance over UP, clinching their 12th straight victory over the Fighting Maroons which started in Season 79 last March 1, 2017.

“Yung sinabi nga ni coach sa amin na kahit hindi pa naguumpisa yung game, dapat ready ka na kung ano ‘man mangyari. ‘Yon talaga palagi ko iniisip ‘eh. Kanina, naexperience ulit namin na kami yung naghahabol, pero buti na i-apply yung maturity na palagi namin sinasabi," Saavedra said, who scored 29 points with a 28-of-44 attack efficiency and one ace.

Deadlocked at 10-all in the decisive fifth set, an off-the-block attack from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem and a center line fault from Mikko Espartero sent UP to a crucial 12-10 advantage.

However, third-year setter Ariel Cacao activated the Tamaraws’ middle blockers at the perfect time as two quick hits by Charles Absin and Lirick Mendoza, along with an off-the-block attack from Saavedra, allowed FEU to regain a slim 13-12 cushion.

Eager to make up for a crucial error in the fifth set, Espartero redeemed himself in the clutch.

An out-of-system attack and a block from the 20-year-old outside hitter from Antique sealed the Tamaraws’ five-set heist of the Fighting Maroons.

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“Maganda yung kapit ng bawat isa [in the fifth set]. Medyo all the way, naging lamang din [ang UP] ‘eh. Naghiwalay lang yata nung dulo na. Ang pinakamaganda lang sa nangyari sa amin is ready kami sa kung anong sitwasyon ‘man yung dumating at yung love ng bawat isa sa bawat isa, nandoon,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

Mendoza achieved 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, while Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala also scored 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks.

Espartero added 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace with six excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while team captain Jelord Talisayan chipped in five points and 10 excellent receptions.

Cacao orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with 25 excellent sets with one ace, while rookie libero Vennie Ceballos shined with 29 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

The Tamaraws look to boost their hunt for a twice-to-beat incentive when they clash against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Wednesday, April 9, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

The loss, on the other hand, eliminated the Fighting Maroons from Final Four contention alongside the University of the East Red Warriors and the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, dropping to a 3-8 card to remain in sixth place. They will miss the postseason festivities for the sixth consecutive UAAP season, a drought that began in Season 79.

Raheem paced UP in the heartbreaking defeat with 25 points on 23 attacks, one block, and one ace, while rookie hitter Tommy Castrodes provided 17 points on 15 attacks with 19 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

Angelo Lipata added 11 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Angelo Aballe dished out 22 excellent sets in the losing effort.

UP will face De La Salle University next Sunday, April 13, still at the Big Dome.