National University made quick work of Adamson University, winning 25-17, 25-16, 25-15, to secure at least a playoff spot for the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs, four-time defending champions, improved their record to 9-2 with their third straight victory, keeping their hopes alive for a ninth consecutive Final Four appearance.
They are two games ahead of the joint-third UST Golden Spikers and De La Salle Green Spikers, who are both at 7-4.
“Ito na siguro ‘yung hinihintay namin na sitwasyon na tumaas ‘yung percentage namin sa side-out kasi ‘yung pasa namin talagang nagiging problema namin mula simula, buti kanina gumanda ‘yung pasa namin kaya na-execute namin ‘yung gusto naming gawin sa loob ng court,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Soaring Falcons kept it close midway through the third set, trailing 12-14. However, Michaelo Buddin, Leo Aringo, Obed Mukaba, and Leo Ordiales led NU to a dominant finish, outscoring Adamson 11-3 to seal the victory after one hour and 21 minutes.
This win served as a statement for NU, who had to come from behind in their first-round encounter against Adamson, which they won 20-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12.
The Bulldogs can secure a semifinal spot with a win over the struggling UE Red Warriors on Wednesday at 9:00 AM at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Buddin led NU with 16 points, including 15 spikes on 24 attempts and an ace. Aringo contributed 12 points, 12 excellent receptions, and five digs.
Ordiales — who regained the starting opposite position in place of Jade Disquitado — added 11 points, while Mukaba contributed nine points, including 5-of-6 spikes, two blocks, and two aces.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Personally, I’m very happy because my performance before was not as good as I was expecting. But now, with the help of the coaches I’m trying to improve so now I’m very happy for me and the team,” said the Congolese middle blocker, who was the 1st Best Middle Blocker of Season 85.
On the other hand, the eliminated Soaring Falcons dropped to 2-9, sitting in seventh place. Adamson will try to end its three-game slump on Saturday against league-leader Far Eastern University at the Big Dome.
Off-the-bench Joel Menor led the Soaring Falcons with seven points, while Leo Coguimbal and Marc Paulino each had six points.
Jude Aguilar was held to a season-low three points, following a four-point performance in their previous game against University of Santo Tomas.
