LIVE: UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals Game 1 – May 11, 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Among the 5,405 fans, a group of Far Eastern University supporters brought a green and gold banner with “Braver Today” written on it.

The Tamaraws didn’t disappoint, showing no fear against the five-peat-seeking National University Bulldogs to pull off a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals opener on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball FINALS

Despite falling to a 1-2 deficit with a 12-point loss in the third set, FEU never wavered, denying NU from pulling off a comeback in the fourth.

Rookie Amet Bituin showed steely nerves in his finals debut as he and Dryx Saavedra took matters into their own hands and gave their squad an crucial 11-9 lead in the deciding set.

NU’s crucial errors including a service by Buds Buddin pushed FEU at match point, 14-12. Jade Disquitado kept NU in the game before Bituin nailed the game-winning attack to give the Tamaraws their first finals win in 13 years.

Saavedra led the way with 25 points as FEU moved to the cusp of winning its 26th crown and ending a 13-year title drought.

READ: UAAP men’s volleyball Finals preview: Talent-rich NU, FEU renew rivalry

The Tamaraws go for a sweep in Game 2 on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Interestingly, the last time FEU celebrated a UAAP men’s volleyball championship was when they spoiled University of Santo Tomas’ five-peat bid.

NU dropped a finals game for the first time since UAAP Season 79.