MANILA – Far Eastern University clinched the first semifinal slot in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament after outlasting University of the Philippines in a five-set thriller, 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, 29-31, 15-12, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Dryx Saavedra scored 29 points as the Tamaraws remained on top of the standings with a 10-1 record, notching their sixth straight Final Four appearance and 12th consecutive win over UP.

"What coach told us is that even if the game hasn’t started yet, you should already be ready for whatever may happen. That's really what I always keep in mind. Earlier, we experienced being the ones chasing the game, but thankfully, we were able to apply the maturity we've been talking about," Saavedra, the Season 86 best opposite hitter, said in an interview.

Mikko Espartero delivered 16 points on 12 attacks, three blocks and one ace, while Lirick Mendoza and Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala chipped in 15 points each for FEU, which will meet Ateneo de Manila University on April 9 at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo praised his team’s composure.

"The team’s connection was great [in the fifth set]. UP had a lead for a while. I think it only separated at the end. The best part of what happened to us is that we were ready for whatever situation came and the love for each other was there," Orcullo said after the two-hour and 30-minute match.

Olayemi Raheem scored 25 points while rookie Tommy Castrodes added 17 points for the Fighting Maroons, who bowed out of the semifinal race with a 3-8 slate. 

UP will next face De La Salle University on April 13.

In the earlier match, defending champion National University cruised past Adamson University, 25-17, 25-16, 25-15, to stay second with a 9-2 record.

Michaelo Buddin scored 16 points, while Leo Aringo added 12 points, 12 excellent receptions, and five digs for NU.

"This is probably the situation we've been waiting for, where our side-out percentage improved because our passing has really been a problem from the start. Thankfully, our passing improved earlier, so we were able to execute what we wanted to do on the court," NU coach Dante Alinsunirin said.

The Bulldogs will advance to the Final Four if they beat the University of the East Red Warriors on April 9. (PNA)