Behind the spirited performance of Jade Disquitado, National University is now tied with Far Eastern University and De La Salle University for the top spot of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament.
Defending champions National University Bulldogs continued to surge in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament, forcing a three-way deadlock atop the standings on Wednesday, March 6.
Leaning on the two-way effort of Jade Disquitado, the Bulldogs sent the FEU Tamaraws reeling to their first loss, carving out a close-shave, 25-21, 21-25, 25-14, 23-25, 18-16, victory at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, NU is now tied with FEU and DLSU for totem pole position with identical 4-1 records.
Disquitado churned out a double-double performance of 29 points built on 24 attacks and four aces, along with 23 excellent receptions.
The 5-foot-11 outside hitter proved instrumental in keeping the Tamaraws at bay, but the Bulldogs turned to Nico Almendras and Choi Diao down the stretch of the extended fifth set.
Staring at a 15-16 deficit, Almendras knotted the count before Dryx Saavedra misfired. Diao then slammed the door shut with the finishing blow.
Diao and Almendras contributed 16 and 15 markers, respectively, with the latter collecting 17 receptions.
Owa Retamar continued to steady the NU ship with 22 excellent sets on top of 12 points, half of which coming from the service line.
On the other hand, Saavedra's team-high 19 points went down the drain.
Jose Javelona, Andrei Delicana and Martin Bugaoan chipped in 12, 11, and 10, respectively, in the losing cause.
Meanwhile, the DLSU Green Spikers cruise to their third consecutive win after dispatching the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-14, 25-20, 31-29.
After securing the first two frames in commanding fashion, La Salle found itself in a nip-and-tuck affair in the marathon third set.
Knotted at 29, Angelo Reyes and Brent Maralit coughed out consecutive errors for the Red Warriors, allowing the Green Spikers to wrap up the bout in 79 minutes.
Vince Maglinao showed the way for La Salle with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo contributed 13 markers apiece.
Joshua Pozas was the lone Red Warrior in double-digit territory with 14 points as UE remained winless in five matches.