UAAP: NU foils FEU’s sweep bid in men’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — National University’s Leo Ordiales wagged his finger then brought out an imaginary broom after drilling the game-clinching spike against Far Eastern University on Sunday.

Ordiales and the Bulldogs denied the Tamaraws’ bid to sweep the elimination round with a come-from-behind 17-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-14, 15-9 win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.

The entire NU team, which started the fifth set blazing to a 10-3 spread, was animated, celebrating every point in a variety of ways. Even Obed Mukaba, who did the “ice in my veins” celebration, and Jade Disquitado, busting out some dance moves on the bench, joined in on the fun.

READ: UAAP: NU bounces back but still looking for ‘clean victory’

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NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin after surviving FEU and preventing a stepladder semifinals format. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/PdySuZGVxs

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 30, 2025

“I told myself: ‘This is it, I’m going all in now.’ because there’s no turning back. Buds (Buddin) and I actually planned that yesterday,” said Ordiales in Filipino after dropping a UAAP career-high 19 points off 14 kills, three blocks, and two aces.

“It’s all about our mindset. They haven’t lost yet, so the pressure’s on them, not us. We just did our best and followed the system. We just needed the right direction to get the win. It’s really about mindset. My coaches always push me not to doubt myself, just play my game. Thankfully, it worked out.”

Buds Buddin also fueled the Bulldogs’ comeback with 16 points, while Leo Aringo added 14 points, 20 excellent receptions, and five digs.

“For me, in the past few games, we really felt the weight when we were too quiet. So yesterday, Leo (Ordiales) and I decided that we’d be the ones to bring the energy to the team, but at the same time, we’d still stay focused,” said Buddin.

NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, who is not used to his players’ on-court antics, allowed the Bulldogs to be themselves as long as they are following his system and executing the right plays. 

“We were so focused on fixing everything and being too serious. But now, I told them we should enjoy what we’re doing because this is what we love to do on the court and it’s the kind of volleyball we want to play. Our game improved,” said the soft-spoken coach.

READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU improves to 8-0, La Salle downs NU

Peng Taguibolos and Mukaba chipped in 10 and six points, respectively. Setter Greg Ancheta dished out 23 excellent sets to improve to an 8-2 record in second place.

FEU remained on top with a 9-1 record. Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero carried the Tamaraws with 20 and 15 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines put a glimmer of hope on its dimming Final Four chances after ousting winless University of the East, 25-21, 25-21, 22-25, 25-21.

UP turned to Olayemi Raheem and Tommy Castrodes to end a two-game skid and improve to a 3-7 record in sixth place, behind joint fourth placers University of Santo Tomas and La Salle with identical 5-4 records.

Raheem powered the Fighting Maroons with 22 points, as Castrodes delivered an all-around game of 16 points, 16 receptions, and eight digs to boot out UE with its 10th loss.

Angelo Lipata chipped in nine points and nine receptions. Dan Nicola and Angelo Lagando had eight and seven points, respectively, as rookie playmaker Louise Aballe made 27 excellent sets.

“Our lapses were highlighted in the third set, and we were not able to execute. Going into the next set, we just got back to the system. As long as we’re in sync, we’re going to play well,” said UP coach Carlo Cabatingan in Filipino.

UE turned to Raquim Aceron’s 20 points and 30 excellent receptions but it wasn’t enough to stop its long-standing 17-game losing streak dating back to Season 86 second round.

The Red Warriors skipper Xjhann Camaymayan had 12 points, while Isaiah Roca and Roy Piojo had 11 and 10 points, respectively.