Missing their other seniors Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad, it was Madz Gampong who took charge, as the National University Bulldogs denied the San Beda University Red Spikers an upset, 20-25, 25-12, 30-28, 25-16, and sealed their place in the Final Four, Wednesday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The wing spiker produced 22 points, 21 coming from attacks along with a block, to lead the defending UAAP champions. Rookie Nico Almendras added 17 markers to continue his great form.
Despite the win, head coach Dante Alinsunurin is still looking for consistency and that killer instinct. The champion mentor is also looking for leadership.
“Nagkukulang pa rin sila sa leadership sa court. Ngayong wala nga si Bagunas, nagkukulang pa rin sila kung sino mag-i-step up,” he admitted.
The Bulldogs dominated the scoring skills, particularly on spikes, posting 62 against the Bedans’ 41. Almendras scored most of these kills despite being checked for most of the time.
Team captain Angelo Torres led the Red Spikers with 12 points, four coming from blocks.
NU (7-1) will shoot for the top spot in a tussle with the undefeated University of Santo Tomas (8-0) on Sunday, August 29 at 9 am. San Beda (2-6) will close their season against the Perpetual Altas (3-5) the day before at 1pm.
The Scores:
NU 3 – Gampong 22, Almendras 17, Saura 15, Malabunga 9, Retamar 4, Dayandante 0, Ancheta 0, Marcos L.
SBU 1 – Torres 12, Amagan 11, Losa 11, Decano 11, Nursiddik 3, Lapurga 3, Nuguid 2, Estavillo 1, Daquil 0, Tibay L.
