UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas rallied to secure their third consecutive win in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, overcoming Colegio de San Juan de Letran in four sets, 25-23, 25-12, 20-25, 25-18, at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.

Rookie spiker Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blocker Trevor Valera led the Golden Tigers with 14 points each. Sali contributed 13 attacks, while Valera added six blocks. Edlyn Paul Colinares supported with 13 points, including three aces and a block.

With this win, UST joins National University in third place with a 3-2 record.

Rey Miguel added 11 points, and Jan Julian Macam chipped in 10 points, including two aces.

Head coach Odjie Mamon expressed concern over his team’s performance, stating, “I have two days to review and refocus them on what I’m trying to teach.” Mamon, who recently returned to the team after a stint with Alas Pilipinas, emphasized the need to master the new system before their next match.

UST will face winless Emilio Aguinaldo College at noon on Sunday.

Letran’s Vince Virrey Himzon, the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitationals MVP, led his team with 16 points. Steven Sta. Maria and John Derrick Bautista added seven points each. Despite Bautista’s 13 excellent receptions and John Wayne Arano’s 13 excellent digs, the Knights fell to sixth place with a 2-3 record. Letran will take on Far Eastern University at 2 p.m. on Sunday.