NU Bulldogs. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University turned back Adamson’s tough challenge in the third set to complete a 25-10, 25-17, 28-26 sweep and stay unbeaten in two games in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Ken Malinis and Nico Almendras showed the way for the Bulldogs, while rookie spiker Michaelo Buddin only scored eight points, including the game-winning attack that ended the 78-minute match.
Malinis topscored with 12 points, all from kills, while Almendras had 11 points and 15 excellent receptions. Joshua Retamar also paced the team with 16 excellent sets on top of six digs and four markers.
After dominating the first two sets, NU coach Dante Alinsunurin fielded his bench players in the third but Adamson took advantage of the former’s second unit to force a neck-and-neck match only for Buddin to come to the rescue.
“I’m thankful for the performance of the players. In the third set, I just tried to give my players exposure to a different situation because the UAAP is a long tournament and in the long run, my players will be tested,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino.
Jenngerard Diao also shone for NU with nine points on five attacks and three blocks.
Adamson dropped to 0-2 with Evan Novillo being the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.
Meanwhile, Jay Dela Noche unleashed 24 points to power University of Santo Tomas past Far Eastern University in five sets, 28-30, 25-17, 22-25, 25-16, 15-8, to remain unscathed in two games.
Dela Noche nailed 20 attacks, including the finishing touches in the fifth, and fired four service aces to lift the Golden Spikers for the joint league lead with the Bulldogs handing the Tamaraws’ first defeat.
Josh Ybanez sustained his fine form as he delivered an all-around game with 20 points, 21 excellent receptions, and seven digs, while GBoy De Vega added 16 markers.
“It is a win and as I said, I always welcome five-setters. This is character-building for us. And it’s good to win again,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon in Filipino.
FEU slid to 1-1 as Mark Calado’s 21-point effort went for naught. Dryx Saavedra had 13 points in a losing cause.
NU and UST put their unbeaten record on the line when they collide on Saturday at 4 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena.