By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Defending champion National University (NU) ended Far Eastern University’s (FEU) run in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament with a 28-26, 17-25, 24-26, 25-11, 15-8 victory Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Alas Pilipinas mainstays Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin starred for the Bulldogs, who remained in second place with a 7-2 record behind the Tamaraws (8-1).
Ordiales scored a career-high 30 points on 24 attacks, three blocks and three aces, while Buddin had 25 points on 19 attacks, three blocks and three aces in the two hours and 15-minute match.
“Our decision-making, we were thinking too much, it was like we were losing the system. In the fourth and fifth sets, we just brought it back, we just followed the system again, and the result was good,” Ordiales said.
Jade Alex Disquitado chipped in 12 points, including six in the fifth set, 33 excellent receptions and seven digs.
“Really good game. Both sides showed great skills. In the end, Buddin’s patience and perseverance paid off, the game turned out well,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
Libero Jimwell Gapultos finished with 12 receptions and 11 digs, while Greg Agustus Luis Ancheta, who had three blocks, orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets.
NU will next face Ateneo de Manila University at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila on March 28.
Mikko Espartero led FEU with 22 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza contributed 18 and 10 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines recovered from a five-game slump, prevailing over University of the East, 25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 25-20.
Nigerian opposite spiker Olayemi Raheem finished with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks, while sophomore Tommy Castrodes added 15 points along with 13 receptions and seven digs as the Fighting Maroons improved their record to 3-6 for fifth place.
University of Santo Tomas is third at 5-3. Ateneo and De La Salle University are tied for fourth at 4-4, while Adamson University is sixth at 2-6, followed by UE (1-8). (PNA)
