The NU Bulldogs secured the twice-to-beat edge after outlasting the DLSU Green Spikers in five sets in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday, May 4.
National University officially secured the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament after overcoming De La Salle University in a five-set thriller, 19-25, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 16-14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Saturday, May 4.
In the fifth set, the Green Spikers started on a 3-0 run, but was quickly erased by the Bulldogs.
Still, La Salle was then able to build a two-point lead at 7-5, after back-to-back kill blocks by JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao. However, two errors allowed NU to tie the game, where both squads then exchanged attacks and errors.
Tied at 12, Noel Kampton delivered a timely service ace to give the Green Spikers the lead, but the Bulldogs did not falter as Leo Aringo and Buds Buddin came alive to put NU at match point.
Vince Maglinao would get one back for La Salle, however, it was Buddin who connected on back-to-back attacks, including a smart tip which just dropped on the line, to seal the win for NU.
Buddin finished the match with a career-high 32 points, built on 29 attacks and three blocks, to lead the defending champions. Nico Almendras added 15 markers to go along with 16 excellent receptions, while Aringo finished with nine for NU.
Kampton led the Green Spikers with 21 points on 19 attacks and two blocks. Ronquillo and Maglinao added 20 and 19, respectively, in the loss.
After a slow start in the opening frame, the Bulldogs found their groove on the backs of Buddin and Almedras as NU took the second and third sets in convincing fashion.
In the fourth, La Salle took control early on and built a 13-8 lead, fending off the Bulldogs' furious comeback attempt with setter Eco Adajar blocking Almedras' attack to force the fifth set.
Now with a twice-to-beat edge, NU will face La Salle once again on Wednesday, May 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Bulldogs only need one win for a return trip to the Finals.