UAAP: NU survives UE scare, stretches streak to 23

NU Bulldogs. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion National University overcame a 0-2 deficit before slipping past gritty University of the East, 22-25, 22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 15-6, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Philsports Arena.

The Bulldogs missed Ken Malinis, who was not at the venue as he was under the weather, while Nico Almendras served a one-set expulsion in the first after the referee gave him yellow and red cards due to unsportsmanlike behavior in their five-set win over University of the Philippines last Wednesday.

Almendras returned in the second set but the Red Warriors still took a two-seat lead, which served as a wake-up call for the Bulldogs, who turned to MJ Fortuna and Obed Mukaba to pull off a come-from-behind win after an hour and 52 minutes.

Fortuna, who filled in the void left by Malinis, delivered a career-high 25 points, while Congolese middle blocker Mukaba drilled a season-high nine blocks, eight attacks, and an ace to finish with 18 points.

Almendras finished with 17 points while setter Joshua Retamar dished out 21 excellent sets and nailed eight points. Michaelo Buddin and Leo Aringo added nine markers each.

“I’m still thankful because even we went down by two sets, we were able to pull off the win,” said Alinsunurin as they improved to a 5-0 record. “Credit to my players even we had problems, they were able to fight back.”

“Our service was an advantage in the latter part of the game and our blockings worked,” he added after overcoming 38 errors in the match.

NU extended its winning streak to 23 games, dating back to the opener of Season 81 in 2019.

Lloyd Josafat powered UE with 15 points off 12 attacks and three blocks, while Ken Culabat chipped in 14 points as they slid to a 2-3 record.

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