Manila: Defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) clinched the first finals berth in the UAAP Season 87 men's tennis after dominating University of the East (UE), 4-1, in the semifinals at Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center in Manila on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ericjay Tangub delivered UST's initial point when he conquered Gerald Gemida, 6-1, 6-4, but UE tied after JB Aguilar turned back Sebastian Santos, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. Reigning Most Valuable Player Nilo Ledama rallied past Marc Nicole Suson, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2; Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines downed Mark Dave Palanas and RJ Baje, 6-0, 6-2; and Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan sealed the Growling Tigers' win after Kent Morales and Kiz Bryan Cinco retired with UST up, 6-1, 0-2.

UST coach Alexander Diego expressed satisfaction with their performance, noting their happiness in returning to the finals. UST, which swept UE in the elimination round, awaits the winner of the other semifinal between National University (NU) and University of the Philippines (UP). Diego mentioned that they are preparing thoroughly for either opponent and are focused on maintaining their team's conditioning.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons survived the Bulldogs, 3-2, to extend their best-of-three series. UP coach Jacob Lagman shared his elation, emphasizing the team's resilience in overcoming a challenging match. Andrei Jarata and Karl Miguel played a crucial role for UP with a 6(3)-7, 6-1, 10-4 victory over Aljon Talatayod and Gab Bandoquillo.

The Fighting Maroons initially took a 1-0 lead after Miguel Iglupas outplayed Jules Lazaro, 6-4, 6-2. However, NU gained an edge when Andrei Padao defeated Loucas Fernandez, and EJ Tugade downed Aslan Carbonilla, 6-4, 7-6(3). UP's Raymund Goco and Lance Fernandez eventually secured the win over Angil Balaoing and Christian Padilla, 2-6, 6-3, 10-8, to force the decider.