By Jean Malanum
MANILA – National University downed Ateneo de Manila University, 30-28, 25-23, 25-16, Sunday to secure a twice-to-beat semifinal incentive in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Michaelo Buddin finished with 15 points (10 attacks, three blocks and two aces), eight receptions and seven digs as he led the Bulldogs rolled to their fifth straight win.
NU kept the No. 2 spot with an 11-2 record, behind Far Eastern University (12-1).
Team captain Leo Aringo Jr. chipped in 12 points, 11 on attacks; Jan Lanfred Abanilla had 11 points; and Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba and Choi Diao had five points each.
“Before we came here, we really set our mindset that we needed this game because it would be our advantage come the Final Four. With the way my players showed up, no matter who I put in, they delivered, and I’m extremely thankful for their performance because, in this kind of situation, where at any time I can call on anyone, they’re ready to perform,” NU coach Dante Alinsunurin after the one hour and 18-minute match.
Kennedy Batas paced Ateneo with 12 points, while Amil Pacinio and Jian Matthew Salarzon contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
In the other match, De La Salle University overcame a gritty University of the Philippines squad, 11-25, 25-18, 25-21, 28-30, 15-9, to clinch the last semifinal slot.
Noel Michael Kampton delivered 24 points, including the game-winning crosscourt attack as La Salle improved to 8-4 for joint-third place with University of Santo Tomas.
Glen Rui Ventura contributed 16 points while Season 86 2nd Best Middle Blocker Nathaniel del Pilar added 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks.
“With the game, I think we worked hard, but like I told my team, whoever is in front will really find a way just to beat us, so we have to fight. That was our only reminder to them, and the team responded,” La Salle coach Jose Roque said.
Vince Maglinao anchored the defense with 16 receptions and nine digs, Jerico Adajar tallied 24 excellent sets, and skipper Menard Guerrero, the reigning Best Libero, collected 15 digs and 15 receptions.
UP’s Olayemi Raheem led all scorers with 25 points (22 attacks), while Daniel Nicolas added 16 points, including four blocks, as the Fighting Maroons dropped to 3-9.
The league takes a break for the Holy Week and will resume on April 23, with UST meeting UP ( 9 a.m.) and La Salle facing Adamson University (11 a.m.) at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
NU will battle UST on April 27 at Araneta Coliseum. (PNA)
