NU Cruises Past UE, Moves Closer to Twice-to-Beat Advantage

National University, already assured of a Final Four spot, made quick work of the University of the East, cruising to a 25-16, 25-21, 25-15 victory on Sunday morning at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. The win brought the Bulldogs one step closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs for the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

Leo Ordiales led the charge for NU with 12 points, including eight attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with three excellent digs. With the win, the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to five matches, improving their record to 10-2, putting them just one game behind the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (10-1) who will play later against the University of the Philippines.

The victory also solidified NU’s position, creating a two-game gap between them and the third-place University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers (8-4), who already clinched a Final Four berth.

“Sa preparation namin, sinasabi ko naman sa players ko na last three games na lang [sa eliminations], kaya kailangan all out na tayo kasi malapit na yung playoffs. Kung ano ‘man yung maging performance natin sa last three games, dadalhin natin ito sa playoffs,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

UE managed to stay close at 17-14 in the third set but couldn’t keep up as NU went on an 8-1 run to close out the match. Key plays came from Obed Mukaba with a block, Jade Disquitado’s ace, and Migs Egger’s game-winning quick hit to seal the victory.

The Bulldogs also capitalized on the Red Warriors’ 27 errors in the match, which lasted 72 minutes. In the second set, UE managed to trim the deficit to 22-20, but back-to-back service errors and a Mukaba block sealed a 2-0 advantage for NU.

Disquitado contributed 11 points on 10 attacks and one ace, along with seven excellent receptions and two digs. Mukaba added 10 points from six blocks, three attacks, and one ace, while Budds Buddin pitched in with six points and solid defense. Rookies Luke Macatangay and Migs Egger also got in on the action during the third set.

The Bulldogs will look to keep their momentum going when they face De La Salle University on Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Meanwhile, the Red Warriors, who have now lost two straight, remain tied for last place with Adamson University at a 2-10 record. Roy Piojo led UE with 15 points, while Xjhann Camaymayan added eight points. Raquim Aceron struggled with just six points on 4-of-30 attack efficiency but contributed 17 excellent receptions.

The Red Warriors will attempt to bounce back against the Green Spikers on Wednesday, April 15, at the same venue.

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