DEFENDING champion National University and forged an interesting UAAP men’s volleyball championship rematch with University of Santo Tomas after besting their Final Four foes yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The four-peat seeking second-ranked Bulldogs finished off No. 3 La Salle, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, to advance in the league’s biggest stage for the ninth consecutive season.

NU’s dominance in the division continues as in the past eight seasons, it secured five championships, including four from decorated coach Dante Alinsunurin, and three runner-up finishes.

The Golden Spikers, who defeated the Bulldogs twice in the eliminations, became the first No. 4 team to advance to the championship round in the Final Four era.

UST completed a stunning reversal of No. 1 Far Eastern University, 25-18, 21-25, 26-24, 26-24, to seal a rematch of last year’s championship series with NU.

Game 1 of the best-of-three title series is at 12 noon on Saturday at the Big Dome.

There will be two UST volleyball teams in the Finals for the first time since 2010-11 season, as the Tigresses earlier made it to the women’s title round.

Buds Buddin sustained his stellar play with 23 points on 19-of-41 kills and two blocks, 11 receptions and four digs, Nico Almendras had 14 points on 13-of-24 spikes and 14 receptions, while Leo Aringo added 11 points for the Bulldogs.

NU may have failed to top the elims, but the players hardwork keyed to sustain its Finals streak going.

“Ngayong season talagang hindi naging madali yung daan namin papuntang Finals. Credit sa players ko and coaching staff ko pati sa management,” said Alinsunurin. Crafty setter Owa Retamar had a match-best five blocks and tossed in 21 excellent sets.

JM Ronquillo had 27 points, including three blocks, while Vince Maglinao chipped in 17 points, including two service aces, and five digs for the Green Spikers.

Billie Anima matched Ronquillo’s three blocks to finish with 12 points while Noel Kampton was the other La Salle player in double-digits with 12 points and had 10 receptions.

In front of 6,051 fans at the Big Dome, UST simply showed steely resolve to prevail in the intense Final Four decider.

“Actually, I just let them play the whole match, kaunti lang yung interference ko. I was actually a cheerleader earlier not their coach. I let them play and they delivered,” said Golden Spikers coach Odjie Mamon.

UST, which last ruled in 2011 when it completed a four-peat under then coach Emil Lontoc, hopes to carry this winning feeling in the Finals.

The Golden Spikers swept the Bulldogs in their elimination round head-to-head.

Josh Ybañez led UST with 19 points, including two service aces, and 13 receptions while Gboy De Vega unloaded 18 points on 16-of-35 kills and 13 receptions as well.

Sherwin Umandal was efficient with 14-of-26 attacks to finish with 16 points while Popoy Colinares added 12 points, including two blocks.

“Yung game talagang pinaghandaan namin maigi yung mental toughness. Nagawa namin pihitin yung bagay na dapat itono talagang kinapos lang,” said a disappointed Tamaraws coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Dryx Saavedra paced FEU with 20 points, including four blocks, while JJ Javelona had three blocks for a 16-point effort.