National U slams hapless UE for bounce back win

Behind 35 combined points from Fauzi Ismail and Bryan Bagunas, the National University Bulldogs breezed past the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-14, 25-19, 25-12, for their second win in the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

Coming off a disappointing loss to defending champs Ateneo de Manila University last Wednesday, National University head coach Dante Alinsunurin wanted his players to recover from their lapses.

“Sabi nga namin last game na marani kaming errors at kailangan naming bawasan. Nakita namin na magandang chance itong laban namin against UE para i-work out ‘yung mga ganoong naming pagkukulang,” said Alinsunurin, as the Bulldogs gave up just 19 errors.

“Gusto namin na kanina ipakita nila ‘yung kagustuhan nilang manalo. Pinakita naman nila. ‘Yung nga chances na binigay sa amin ng kalaban, hindi namin sinayang,” the decorated mentor added.

Tawi-Tawi native Ismail led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Bagunas followed closely with 17 markers. NU outclassed the Warriors in every scoring category, including a 42-18 spiking advantage.

The Bulldogs improve to 2-1.

Clifford Inoferio topped UE with 10 points. The Red Warriors fell to three losses in as many matches.

NU will next face the De La Salle University Green Spikers (1-1) on Sunday at the FiOil Flying V Centre. UE will take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles (2-1) on Saturday.

The Scores

NU (3) – Ismail 18, Bagunas 17, Natividad 8, Saura 6, Malabunga 4, Gampong 2, Dayandante 1, Daymil 1, Ancheta 0, Mondero 0, Marcos (L), Sumagui (L)

UE (0) – Inoferio 10, Ortega 6, Adriano 5, Aljas 1, Patacsil 1, Alba 0, Balquierda 0, Inperial 0, Benitez (L)