UAAP men’s volleyball: NU survives Ateneo for 9th straight win, Adamson fends off UP

MANILA, Philippines—National University went the distance for its ninth straight win, withstanding Ateneo, 25-19, 25-20, 19-25, 25-27, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bulldogs stayed atop the league with an impressive 9-1 record while the Blue Eagles stayed at the third spot with a 7-4 card.

Bryan Bagunas led all scorers with 25 points for the Bulldogs while getting ample support from Angelo Almendras and James Nartividad who had 18 and 17 points, respectively.

“The players relaxed a little bit and the opponents got lucky at the same time,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino. “What happened was, Ateneo dictated the tempo of the game and we’re the ones following it.”

“We’re the ones following what the Blue Eagles wanted, it’s a good thing we’re able to recover in the fifth set.”

Chumason Njigha led the Blue Eagles with 18 points.

Earlier, Adamson University shrugged off University of the Philippines in four sets, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20, 32-20.

The Soaring Falcons maintained their hold of the fourth seed with a 5-4 record while the bottom-dwelling Fighting Maroons are at a miserable 1-8 card.

Paolo Pablico finished with 31 points while Jadewin Gudoy and George Labang combined for 30 points of their own.

John Mark Millette led UP with 16 points.