UAAP Season 80 Men’s Volleyball Finals MVP Bryan Bagunas continued to build his case as Season 81 MVP, propelling the National University Bulldogs to their eighth consecutive win at the University of the East Red Warriors’ expense, 25-7, 25-21, 25-15, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
NU’s graduating ace piled up 22 points on an efficient 15-for-22 attacking clip to go with four aces and three blocks. In the midst of his best individual statistical year, Bagunas was glad his success was translating to wins for the defending champions.
“Maganda nga ‘yung nilalaro ko this year, pero mas masaya ako kasi tuloy-tuloy ‘yung panalo namin and, every game, gumaganda ‘yung nilalaro namin,” said the league’s leading scorer. “Ang goal naman talaga is makakuha ng championship. Malayo pa kami doon kaya kailangan focus lang kami sa bawat game.”
The Bulldogs dominated the Red Warriors in every scoring skill, tallying a 39-17 advantage in spikes, 14-3 in blocks, and 9-3 in aces.
Rookie Nico Almendras added 11 points for NU, while James Natividad added eight.
Clifford Inoferio topped the Red Warriors with six points. Noel Alba and Al-Jhon Abalon each provided five.
NU (8-1) take on the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (6-3) on Saturday. On the other hand, UE (2-7) face the De La Salle University Spikers (3-6) on Sunday. Both games will be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 22, Almendras 11, Natividad 8, Saura 7, Malabunga 6, Gampong 5, Retamar 2, Daymil 1, Ancheta 0, Mondero 0, Ponti 0, Marcos (L)
UE (0) – Inoferio 6, Abalon 5, Alba 5, Josafat 4, Ortega 2, Reyes 1, Adriano 0, Bonoan 0, Imperial A. 0, Imperial R. 0, Medina (L), Solis (L)
