The National University Bulldogs sat alone at the top of the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Volleyball standings after outlasting the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 26-24, 25-19, 20-25, 28-26, for their ninth win at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Bulldogs elevated their record to 9-1, winning eight straight and staying ahead of Ateneo and FEU, both of whom are at two loses apiece.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin was happy his team is currently on top, but knows there are plenty of challenges left for them in their last four games.
“Siyempre, maganda na number one na kami pero hindi pa tapos ‘yung season,” Alinsunrin said. “Ang goal naman is magka-twice-to-beat, tapos championship. Kailangan pa namin mag-improve sa mga huling laban namin.”
The Bulldogs alleviated their whooping 36 errors with a 55-42 attacking advantage. NU pulled transition attacks to clinch an incredibly close fourth set.
Bryan Bagunas topped the Bulldogs with 18 points while James Natividad and Kim Malabunga added 14 markers, apiece.
The Bulldogs face the Adamson Soaring Falcons (4-6) on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Raymark Woo and Arjay Onia led the Green Spikers, tallying 16 points apiece.
La Salle (3-6) take on the hapless UE Warriors (0-9) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bagunas 18, Malabunga 14, Natividad 14, Ismail 13, Saura 10, Ancheta 0, Gampong 0, Marcos (L)
DLSU (1) – Onia 16, Woo 16, Dumago 14, Marco 8, Delos Reyes 4, Reyes 1, Asia 0, Dimayuga 0, Movido (L)
