With the race to the semifinals getting tighter, Far Eastern University-DN Steel kept itself firmly in contention, sweeping 3B, 25-15, 25-16, 25-17, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.
The straight-sets victory improved the Tamaraws’ record to 4-2, putting them in a tie with Savouge as the six-team semifinal race in the tournament organized by Sports Vision continues to take shape.
FEU, however, remains in a crowded field of contenders, with defending champion Criss Cross leading the way at 5-0, followed by National University-Archipelago Builders at 5-1, Alpha Insurance at 5-2, and ClearSKiiin at 4-1.
Rhodson Du-ot orchestrated the victory with 12 excellent sets and four points, steering a balanced offensive attack that gave the Tamaraws a timely confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the elimination round as they continue their push for a semifinal berth.
“Maganda kasi lahat nabigyan ng chance makapag-showcase ng talent nila,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo. “Siguro naging maganda lang din ‘yung gising saka ‘yung preparation nung mga previous days namin.”
“Siguro ‘yung pinakamagandang mangyari is malabas nila ‘yung pinaka gusto nila na kung anong laro ng bawat isa.”
Kyle Tandoc paced FEU with 10 points, while Dryx Saavedra chipped in eight markers. Xandrex Ragusta and Doula Ndongala added seven points apiece in the quick 65-minute victory.
Luis Miguel and Amet Bituin contributed five points each, while Charles Absin and Joshua Idong added four apiece as the Tamaraws secured back-to-back victories following consecutive losses to NU and Savouge.
FEU flexed its offensive and defensive muscle against the hapless Event Masters, overwhelming 3B with a commanding 42-28 advantage in attacks and a staggering 13-1 edge in blocks. The Tamaraws also held a slim 3-1 advantage in service aces to complete their all-around domination.
The Tamaraws will battle the also-ran Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena, hoping to further strengthen their semifinal bid.
On the other side of the net, 3B's slide continued as the Event Masters absorbed their fourth straight defeat to fall to 1-5, leaving their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread and bringing them within one loss of elimination.
Carl Berdal posted nine points for 3B, while Ralph Cabalsa added eight markers. Harry Ocay, meanwhile, was limited to just six points to go along with nine excellent receptions.
With their backs against the wall, 3B will look to arrest its slide when it takes on AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the same San Juan venue.
