NU trounces EAC, reaches Spikers’ Turf finals

NU Bulldogs wall of defense. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

National University made its way to the finals of the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference with a 25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22 romp of Emilio Aguinaldo College Wednesday at San Juan Arena.

Fauzi Ismail launched a crosscourt kill to seal the Bulldogs’ sweep of the Generals in the best-of-three semifinal series and bag the first finals berth up for grabs. They await the winner between Ateneo and National College of Business and Arts.

Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinusunurin was impressed with how his team maintained composure despite losing the third set and getting constant pressure from the Generals.

“It looks like the guys woke up at the right side of the bed,” Alinsunurin said. “No matter how EAC tried to inch closer, they found a way to hold the lead.”

Madzlan Gampon gave NU the 24-21 match point with a booming ace that found an opening in the Generals’ defense.

“Our strength is our offense but if we can’t receive we can’t execute our offensive scheme,” Alinsunurin said of the team’s third set struggle.

Gampong led the Bulldogs with 19 points while Bryan Bagunas had 17.

Ismail and Kim Malabunga also finished in double-figures in scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Howard Mojica finished with 31 points but got little help from the Generals.