LIVE: UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals Game 3

• Defending champion NU Bulldogs go for a fifth consecutive UAAP championship, while top-seeded FEU Tamaraws eye to end a 13-year title drought.
• Bookmark this page for live scores and updates.

Coach Dante Alinsunurin has an emotional celebration after NU Bulldogs’ five-peat championship run in the UAAP men’s volleyball. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —For National University coach Dante Alinsunurin, this latest championship meant more than just a place in the record books.

Bouyed by his winning tradition, Alinsunurin steered the Bulldogs to a historic five-peat after surviving a gritty challenge from Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Final.

NU became he first team to achieve a fifth consecutive title in the Final Four era after outlasting FEU, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the winner-take-all Finals Game 3 in front of a men’s record 14,517 fans on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin holds back his tears after a record-breaking attendance in the #UAAPSeason87 finals. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/SUgcaO08Hf

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 17, 2025

FEU Tamaraws rookie Mikko Espartero after the UAAP Season 87 Men’s volleyball Finals loss. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —However heartbreaking the loss, Mikko Espartero is taking the lessons to heart after Far Eastern University fell short in its UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball title bid.

Espartero struggled in FEU’s straight-sets loss to five-peat champion National University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the winner-take-all Game 3 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in front of a record 14,517 fans.

The rookie was held to just two points on 10 attack attempts but contributed 12 receptions for the Tamaraws.

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo on the record-breaking crowd.

He urges the fans to be kinder. #UAAPSeason87 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/EEeVV5xUhI

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 17, 2025

NU Bulldogs’ Greg Ancheta during the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals against FEU Tamaraws. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —As new main setter Greg Ancheta anchored National University to a historic five-peat in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament,  former champion playmaker Owa Retamar couldn’t help but be impressed.

Ancheta displayed his steady playmaking with 16 excellent sets as NU outclassed Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in the winner-take-all Finals Game 3 in front of a record men’s volleyball crowd of 14,517 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Retamar, now with Alas Pilipinas in Japan, congratulated his former team for overcoming a tough FEU squad and extending the Bulldogs’ dominance.

Greg Ancheta after a successful first stint as NU’s main setter. #UAAPSeason87 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/mRdap7hpyD

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 17, 2025

NU Bulldogs’ Leo Aringo bags UAAP Finals MVP plum.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

After emerging as a UAAP Season 87 Finals MVP, an overseas opportunity could be an option for Leo Aringo as he ponders his next move.

Aringo drilled the championship-clinching tip to complete National University’s historic five-peat after sweeping Far Eastern University, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in front of an all-time men’s volleyball 14,517 crowd on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Coach Dante Alinsunurin teases an overseas opportunity for Finals MVP Leo Aringo. #UAAPSeason87 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/KLraZTrren

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) May 17, 2025

VIDEO: FEU Tamaraws post-game interviews

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo on the record-breaking crowd.

He urges the fans to be kinder. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/zEL30i2YDB

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

FEU vows to bounce back next year. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/OsYDljwmCf

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo, Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra after losing the championship. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/tgcGdzjhED

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

VIDEO: NU Bulldogs post-game interviews

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin holds back his tears after a record-breaking attendance in the #UAAPSeason87 finals. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/2z4fkM5OgQ

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

Greg Ancheta after a successful first stint as NU’s main setter. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/EEXJZupYT6

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

Buds Buddin says playing through an ankle injury was worth it to lead NU to a five-peat. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/UkvRAsOKJY

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

Coach Dante Alinsunurin teases an overseas opportunity for Finals MVP Leo Aringo. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/BgfKlrSgP6

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Dante Alinsunurin offers this championship to his late brother, Mike. #UAAPSeason87

Dante Alinsunurin offers this championship to his late brother, Mike. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/qHHxneO2gD

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Finals MVP Leo Aringo, Greg Ancheta, and Peng Taguibolos after contributing to NU’s latest title. #UAAPSeason87

Finals MVP Leo Aringo, Greg Ancheta, and Peng Taguibolos after contributing to NU’s latest title. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/duY7Ka7UzA

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin after another successful title defense. #UAAPSeason87

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin after another successful title defense. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/yrozWVGe8e

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

NU Bulldogs are crowned UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball champions after overcoming the FEU Tamaraws in the finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Even when pushed to their limits by a worthy rival threatening to topple its dynasty, National University still proved to be the king of UAAP men’s volleyball for the fifth straight year.

In front of another all-time men’s volleyball gate attendance of 14, 517 fans, the Bulldogs completed a finals series comeback to become the first team in the Final Four era to achieve a “five-peat.”

• Buds Buddin on NU overcoming ‘struggles’ on way to five-peat

Buds Buddin after winning the championship. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/KteVFxcPwM

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• And still… NU Bulldogs celebrate their latest UAAP crown

And still your UAAP volleyball kings, the NU Bulldogs! #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/sD20BOPi8M

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Leo Aringo caps his Season 87 campaign with a Finals MVP plum

Leo Aringo is #UAAPSeason87 Finals MVP! @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/3dyW7C82yD

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Back-to-back champs Lady Bulldogs join in on the championship celebration

Newly crowned NU Lady Bulldogs celebrate the five-peat of their men’s team. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/QNLsDrubzA

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Not the end for the Tamaraws

FEU receives its silver medal. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/hLBe4iYjMl

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• NU coach Dante Alinsunurin steers the Bulldogs to another UAAP championship

Dante Alinsunurin after NU’s historic five-peat. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/5unxtlKfjR

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Bulldogs, Tamaraws gave it their all

EPIC NU-FEU SERIES!

Heart stopping, record breaking!#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/uRzTji35sD

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Almost but not quite for the FEU Tamaraws

Still a great run for FEU.#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/al8ttGNPPy

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• History for the NU Bulldogs

The NU Bulldogs cherish their historic moment.#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ZayYTg6iVm

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

• Aringo delivers the title-clinching point for the NU Bulldogs

Aringo clinches the five-peat for NU!#UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/oNUNWo2vwo

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

SET 3

• NU COMPLETES A HISTORIC FIVE-PEAT! The Bulldogs outclass the FEU Tamaraws, 25-16, 28-26, 25-23, in a winner-take-all Game 3 for their fifth consecutive championship! #UAAPSeason87
• Miguel service error. NU AT CHAMPIONSHIP POINT, 24-22 #UAAPSeason87
• Miguel stops the bleeding. FEU within one, 22-23 #UAAPSeason87
• Another error by FEU. NU, 23-21 #UAAPSeason87
• Miguel attack out. NU takes the lead, 22-21. #UAAPSeason87
• Taguibolos with a big block to tie it at 21. #UAAPSeason87
• Miguel scores two consecutive hits, 21-19 lead for FEU #UAAPSeason87
• Buddin with a kill, Miguel attack error. We’re tied at 19. #UAAPSeason87
• Miguel and Saavedra restore the order as FEU regains the lead, 19-17. #UAAPSeason87
• Ancheta ties it at 17-all #UAAPSeason87
• NU makes it a one point game, 16-17. #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra pushes FEU’s lead to 15-12. #UAAPSeason87
• FEU leads set 3, 11-9. #UAAPSeason87

• A NEW ALL-TIME HIGH FOR UAAP MEN’S VOLLEYBALL GATE ATTENDANCE with 14, 517 fans! #UAAPSeason87

FEU legend and former PBA star Arwind Santos supporting his alma mater.#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/VRCe5FJ5Y5

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

SET 2

• Disquitado saves NU! END OF SET 2: NU 28, FEU 26 #UAAPSeason87
• Disquitado sends NU at set point, 27-26. #UAAPSeason87
• Disquitado ties it again, 26-all #UAAPSeason87
• Miguel sends FEU back at set point, 26-25. #UAAPSeason87
• Aringo through the block! NU ties it again, 25-all. #UAAPSeason87
• Abanilla service error. FEU at set point, 25-24 #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra service error. NU forces a deuce, 24-all. #UAAPSeason87
• Ordiales attack out! FEU set point, 24-23. #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra ties it at 23-all! #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra continues to fight for FEU. They trail, 22-23. #UAAPSeason87
• Ordiales down the line! NU, 23-21. #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra with another one! FEU, 21-22 #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra keeps NU within striking distance, 20-21. #UAAPSeason87
• Taguibolos stops the bleeding for NU with a quick attack, 21-19. #UAAPSeason87
• 7-0 run! Saavedra makes it a one point game, 19-20 #UAAPSeason87
• Make that 6-0! Absin regalo! 18-20. #UAAPSeason87
• 5-0 run by FEU to trim it to, 17-20. #UAAPSeason87
• Saavedra cuts the NU’s lead down to five. FEU still trails, 15-20. #UAAPSeason87
• Mukaba quick! NU pulls away with a 19-11 lead. #UAAPSeason87
• Back to back attack errors from FEU. NU with a 12-6 spread #UAAPSeason87
• Ordiales with a block for a hot 6-2 start. #UAAPSeason87
• Ordiales leads NU to a 3-1 start. #UAAPSeason87

SET 1

• END OF SET 1: NU 25, FEU 16 Aringo closes out the opening set to draw first blood! #UAAPSeason87
• Aringo ace! NU, 19-11. #UAAPSeason87
• Aringo joins the party! NU, 17-11. #UAAPSeason87
• Ordiales with back-to-back blocks! NU, 15-9. #UAAPSeason87
• Leo Ordiales, Peng Taguibolos stretch NU’s lead to 11-8. #UAAPSeason87
• Mukaba nails a quick attack to give NU a 6-5 lead over FEU. #UAAPSeason87
• FOR ALL THE MARBLES! FEU Tamaraws and NU Bulldogs clash one last time this #UAAPSeason87 in a winner-take-all Game 3.

FOR ALL THE MARBLES!

FEU and NU clash one last time this #UAAPSeason87 in a winner-take-all Game 3.@INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/sSoDyLuDdo

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 17, 2025

FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament Finals against NU BUlldogs. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Far Eastern University coach Eddieson Orcullo is placing emphasis on a strong start as the Tamaraws get one more crack at ending National University’s dynasty in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Just like in Game 1, FEU fought its way back from a 1-2 match deficit. But this time, the Tamaraws couldn’t complete a comeback as the Bulldogs kept their five-peat dreams alive, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11, in front of 9,977 fans.

Buds Buddin and the NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals Game 2 . –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

National University was on the verge of bidding its five-peat dream careful after another spirited comeback by Far Eastern University Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals Game 2.

But in front of a roaring crowd of 9,977, Buds Buddin helped his teammates zero in on their goal to stave off the Tamaraws, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11, and force a winner-take-all Game 3 set for Saturday. 

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