Facing a foe fresh off an upset win, the National University Bulldogs averted a collapse, suppressing the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Bulldogs gave up critical losses past during the few seasons to the Fighting Maroons, who are coming off a win over the UST Tiger Spikers last Wednesday.
“Ang UP naman laging binibigyan kami ng challenge. Tulad sa ibang kalaban, ‘di talaga kami pwede mag-relax kapag sila ang kalaban,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Kita naman kanina na may nga problema pa din kami sa loob ng court. Buti na lang nababawi namin.”
National Team stalwart Bryan Bagunas topped the Bulldogs with 19 points while JM Natividad added 17 markers. The pair were two of five Bulldogs in double-digits.
The Bulldogs struggled with serve receive for most of the match, fielding only 38 of 78 receive attempts excellently. NU, however, dominated the net, notching 14 blocks to UP’s five.
The Bulldogs finished the first round at 6-1, locked in a triple tie with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the FEU Tamaraws.
Graduating winger Wendel Miguel and opposite hitter Mark Millete led the Maroons with 17 points, apiece.
The Fighting Maroons ended their first round campaign with a 2-5 slate, tied with the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 19, Natividad 17, Ismail 14, Saura 12, Malabunga 11, Dayandante 2, Ancheta 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
UP (1) – Miguel 17, Millete 17, Castillo 9, Consuelo 9, San Pascual 8, Gohoc 2, Baldelovar 0, Madrigalejos 0, Nasol (L)
