The Final Four-bound National University Bulldogs continue to pick up steam, slamming the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22, for their 12th consecutive win of the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Back from the Holy Week break, the Bulldogs did not miss a beat, turning their solid floor defense and coverage into a massive 41-28 advantage in spikes.
According to head coach Dante Alinsunurin, the defending champs had no problems maintaining focus through the break, as they had their sights set on the final stretch of the season.
“Alam naman nila kung gaano ka-importante ‘yung mga last games namin para tuloy-tuloy lang ‘yung momentum namin pagdating ng Final Four,” said Alinsunurin.
“Pabigat ng pabigat ‘yung mga games, so kailangan ‘yung laro namin pataas din hanggang makarating kami sa dulo ng season,” the National Team head coach added.
The league’s leading scorer Bryan Bagunas torched UP for 17 points off 15-for-22 attacking. Fourth-year winger JM Natividad added 10 markers.
Nico Consuelo managed nine points to lead UP, while Mark Millete added eight.
National U (12-1) finish their elimination round campaign on Sunday against the Far Eastern University (11-2). Meanwhile, UP end their season against the De La Salle University (3-10) on Saturday. Both matches will be played at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 17, Natividad 10, Gampong 7, Saura 6, Malabunga 5, Almendras 4, Retamar 2, Mondero 1, Ancheta 0, Ponti 0, Marcos (L)
UP (0) – Consuelo 9, Millete 8, San Pedro 7, San Pascual 6, Baldelovar 3, Ijiran 2, Castillo 1, Enteria 0, Nasol (L)
