NU sustains surge in 2 UAAP events

MANILA, Philippines — National University sustained its surge in badminton and basketball, while Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas got off to strong starts in beach volleyball in UAAP action over the weekend.

Bannered by former MVP Joper Escueta and Ariel Magnaye, the Bulldogs completed a 7-0 elimination sweep to clinch an outright championship berth and a thrice-to-beat advantage in the men’s badminton tournament.

The Bulldogs, who won the crown in 2012, capped their run with a 3-2 upset of reigning champion Ateneo (5-2).

La Salle, second at 5-1, will tote a twice-to-beat edge against the winner between Ateneo and University of the Philippines in the stepladder semifinals.

The Bulldogs were also on a roll in men’s basketball as Cameroonian center Alfred Aroga powered the Bulldogs to crucial wins for a share of third place.

Aroga bagged the UAAP Press Corps-Accel Quantum Plus/3XVI Player of the Week honor after averaging 11 points, 11.5 rebounds and five blocks in the Bulldogs’ decisive victories over Adamson (71-50) and Ateneo (76-66).

The Bulldogs tied the Blue Eagles at 7-3 to stay within striking distance of defending champion La Salle and Far Eastern University, both tied on top at 7-2.

In beach volleyball, FEU and UST streaked to their third straight triumphs to share top spot in women’s action at the sand courts of UE Caloocan.

FEU’s Bernadette Pons and Charm Simborio downed Ateneo’s Michelle Morente and Jhoana Maraguinot, 21-15, 21-7, while UST’s Cherry Rondina and Rica Rivera edged La Salle’s Ara Galang and Cyd Demecillo, 21-18, 21-13.

The Tigers also took a 3-0 lead in the men’s division following a 21-16, 21-14 triumph over the Maroons.