National team stalwart Bryan Bagunas dropped 27 points and scored crucial points down the stretch to lift the National University Bulldogs past the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 19-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-20, 18-16, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The match had extra flavor due to the constant stream of trash talking and jeering flowing from both sides of the net. The Bulldogs almost let their emotions get the best of them, as consecutive errors cost them the third set and put them behind.
“Ine-expect ko naman lagi (na energetic ang FEU). Lagi ko namang sinasabi na anytime pag nagkaharap kami na may kantyawan, asaran kasi halos lagi kaming magkakasama niyan, minsan nag-tune-up pa kami,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
After forcing a fifth set, the Bulldogs matched the Tamaraws intensity the close the match. With neither team pulling away late, the Bulldogs got reprieve after Bagunas dashed a hit past two blockers for a 17-16 lead. NU middle blocker Kim Malabunga then iced the match, nabbing an unlikely ace.
“Malaking bagay na natalo na namin ang FEU kasi last year sobrang dikitan namin. Ngayon, nakadalawa kami sa kanila sana makatulong sa kumpiyansa namin,” added Alinsunurin.
Wingers Fauzi Ismail and James Natividad combined for 27 points to pace the Bulldogs.
Jude Garcia led the Tamaraws with 15 markers while Redijohn Paler managed 14.
NU (7-1) next face the struggling University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers (3-5) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. FEU (6-2) will try to bounce back against defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (7-1) next Saturday, also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 27, Ismail 14, Natividad 13, Malabunga 8, Saura 8, Dsyandante 1, Gampong 1, Ancheta 0, Marcos (L), Sumagui (L)
FEU (2) – Garcia 15, Paler 14, Bautista 10, Quiel 8, Bugaoan 6, Solis 4, Suarez 3, Dabal 0, Detalban 0, Hadlocon 0, Salabsab 0, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
