National University survived against University of Santo Tomas in a thrilling Game 1 of the best-of-three UAAP Season 85 finals, winning 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 29-31, 15-11. The victory puts them on the cusp of their third consecutive men’s volleyball championship on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bulldogs extended their winning streak to 33 games, dating back to their second game in Season 81.
NU will aim to close out the series and secure their fifth overall title on Sunday at 2 p.m., at the same Pasay venue.
“Medyo lumamang kami nung bandang huli although yung ibang sets nagiging problema namin yung opensa namin buti na lang medyo may unforced errors sila na nakakahabol kami… sana mag tuloy tuloy pa at sa Sunday makuha na namin,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin after the two-hour 50-minute match.
In the fifth set, the Golden Spikers were still leading 9-8 when they made four consecutive errors out of their total of 40 miscues, giving NU a 12-9 lead.
UST narrowed the gap to one point at 12-11, but NU’s rookie Michaelo Buddin scored with a crosscourt shot, Clarenz Belostrino made a service ace, and Nico Almendras sealed the win with a solo block on Jayrack Dela Noche, resulting in a 15-11 victory for NU.
In the third set, the Golden Spikers fought back from a 19-14 deficit and rallied down the stretch, utilizing every opportunity before Gboy de Vega unleashed a crosscourt kill. Buddin’s attack went out, forcing a deciding set, which UST won 31-29.
Buddin shone in his first finals appearance, contributing 26 points and 26 excellent receptions, while Almendras provided 20 points and seven digs.
Ken Malinis added 11 points, and Joshua Retamar, who played through an injury scare in the fifth set after colliding knees with Ybañez, delivered 25 excellent sets along with five points.
Golden Spikers’ rookie Ybañez led the game with 28 points and 12 digs, while De Vega contributed 19 points and 13 excellent receptions.
UST libero Van Tracy Prudenciado also made 27 receptions and 11 digs.
