Keeping up his incendiary pace to start UAAP Season 81, Bryan Bagunas dropped 27 points en route to leading the National University Bulldogs past the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-18, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Season 80 Men’s Volleyball Finals MVP gathered his 27 points – his second best tally in the UAAP – from an efficient 23-for-47 clip. Madz Gampong hopped off the NU bench and provided 15 points, while skipper Francis Saura added 11.
National University head coach Dante Alinsunurin lauded Bagunas’ performance and continued acceptance of his leadership role.
“Alam ni Bryan kung ano ang expected sa kanya,” said Alinsunurin. “Malaki na talaga ang inimprove niya since pumasok siya sa NU, kaya dapat every game ipakita niya ‘yun. Alam niya din kung ano kailangan ng team sa kanya.”
Bagunas scored crucial points to help NU escape a tight second and third set. La Salle then gave away crucial errors in the fourth set that halted their run and allowed the Bulldogs to seal the win.
Geriant Bacon topped four La Sallians in double-digits with 16 points. Graduating captain Cris Dumago managed 12 markers.
Both teams play their next matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. National U (2-1) take on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons (3-0) on Sunday. Meanwhile, La Salle (0-3) seek their first win against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (0-3) on Saturday.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 27, Gampomg 15, Saura 11, Natividad 8, Malabunga 5, Almendras 3, Daymil 2, Mondero 2, Retamar 1, Ancheta 0, Marcos (L)
DLSU (1) – Bacon 16, Dumago 12, Inocentes 11, Reyes 11, Delos Reyes 6, Anima 1, Llige 1, Serrano 1, Marco 0, Macaspac (L)
