The National University Bulldogs showed immense form with a straight-set conquering of the struggling Adamson University Soaring Falcons, 25-21, 25-12, 25-19 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After a close opening set, National University overwhelmed their San Marcelino-based foes on the serve and at the net. Famed for their floor defense and chemistry, the Falcons showed no such composure in the last two sets, as the Bulldogs waltzed to their eighth victory.
Towering third-year open hitter Bryan Bagunas continued to lead NU in scoring with 18 points. Fauzi Ismail and Francis Saura tallied 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
“Nakukuha na nila ‘yung mga hinahanap namin sa kanila na composure sa loob ng court. Kailangan ‘yung mga ganoong kapit lalo na sa mga dikit na laban,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
The Bulldogs have qualified for at least a playoff for a Final Four spot, improving their record to 7-1. They next play on Sunday against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (5-4) at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Adamson benched leading scorer Jerome Sarmiento for undisclosed reasons. Skipper Mike Sudaria led the Falcons with eight points.
The Soaring Falcons fall to a 2-7 record. They also play on Sunday against the De La Salle University Green Spikers (2-7).
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 18, Ismail 13, Saura 11, Malabunga 7, Natividad 7, Dayandante 2, Ancheta 0, Marcos (L)
AdU (0) – Sudaria 8, Miranda 7, Yude 6, Pletado 6, Labang 2, Pablico 2, Alvarez 0, Melgar 0, Mendiolla (L)
