National University inched closer to a fifth straight title after surviving University of the Philippines, 3-2, in the UAAP Season 81 badminton tournament Wednesday.
Reigning MVP Alvin Morada put down the Fighting Maroons’ Michael Clemente, 21-15, 21-14, in the deciding singles match that broke the tiebreak for the Bulldogs.
UP’s JM Bernardo opened up the tie with a 21-16, 21-14 win over NU’s Ros Lee Pedrosa but the Bulldogs quickly leveled things up after Mike Minuluan dropped Kyle Legaspi, 21-15, 21-8.
NU took a 2-1 lead after Morada and Alem Palmares tripped Betong Pineda and Harvey Tungul, 21-11, 21-14, in the first doubles.
UP then tied things at 2-2 after Bernardo and Vinci Manuel dumped NU’s Minuluan and Pedrosa, 21-17, 21-19, in the second doubles.
The Bulldogs will have a chance at the title on Friday 8 am at Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.