The National University Bulldogs remain unbeaten in their stellar Season 77 campaign so far, with a straight-set win over the UE Red Warriors, 25-15, 25-23, 25-22 at the San Juan Arena.
The defending champions clicked on all cylinders, building a double-digit lead early in the first set thanks to their solid floor defense. Carrying the momentum, NU built a quick cushion in the second set but the Warriors kept knocking on the door. Ed Campusano tried to carry the Warriors for a second set steal but NU’s duo of Ismail Fauzi and Peter Torres scored the Bulldogs’ last points in the tightly contested set.
UE tried to keep at pace with the Bulldogs and the Warriors managed to keep the score tight. Unfortunately for them, the rotation of Torres in the front row paid dividends for NU.
With the win, NU improves to a league-best 5-0 record while UE still sits at the cellar, searching for their groove in the season, winless at 0-5.
Torres led all scorers with 14 points, four of which came from blocks. Ismail added 13 points, all coming from attacks. Vince Mangulabnan had another great performance with his 29 excellent sets in addition to his three markers. Campusano once again led the Warriors in their setback with 12.
NU erected a big disparity in terms of attacks, 44-25, and displayed their tough net defense with four more denials, 8-4. The Bulldogs also forced UE to more errors, 24-19.
Both teams enter the Christmas break with contrasting streaks as NU looks to win its sixth straight against UP. On the other hand, UE still searches for its first win against Ateneo. Both games will be played at the San Juan Arena on Jan. 4, 2015.
The scores:
NU- Torres 14, Ismail 13, Tolentino 10, Inaudito 9, Mangulabnan 3, Saura 3, Baysac 3, Capal 1, Dayandante 0, Tipay(L) 0, Dizon(L) 0
UE- Campusano 12, Magdaon 8, Molina 7, Alba 4, Mandani 3, Gopio 2, Adviento 0, Almario(L) 0
