Although UST picked up the elimination round meetings last Season 86, the NU Bulldogs stepped up when it mattered the most thanks to a Finals sweep of the Golden Spikers.
Just a fitting Finals rematch to end the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament opening round.
Four-time defending champion NU guns for a fourth-straight victory as the Bulldogs meet the rebound-seeking UST Golden Spikers on Sunday, March 16, 11:00 a.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.
After absorbing a stunning straight-defeat to FEU, NU responded with three straight--with the latest one coming off a thrilling reverse sweep of the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
Buds Buddin led that gutsy comeback with 22 points built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces as Jade Disquitado poured a solid 15-point production off the bench.
Leo and Peng Taguibolos combined for 26 markers as the Bulldogs solidified their grip to solo second with a 5-1 record.
“Nung first part ng game namin, sobrang struggled kami sa pasa namin and serve namin kaya hindi namin magawa yung gusto namin gawin sa court and buti na lang pagdating nung third set onward, medyo unti-unti nakarecover kami hanggang sa dulo na nakuha namin yung game. At least sa amin, naimprove yung skills namin on time,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin told reporters in the post-game press conference.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]