NU outlasts La Salle in five-setter for twice-to-beat bonus

National University survived De La Salle University, 19-25, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 16-14, in the playoff for the second seed to secure the Final Four bonus in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mhicaelo Buddin had 32 points from 29 attacks and three blocks to lead the Bulldogs, while Nico Almendras had 15 points as NU gained the twice-to-beat advantage.

“Natutuwa ako sa naging resulta, both teams talaga ayaw magpatalo pero sabi ko nga sa team ko, kung sino talagang gusto manalo sa bandang huli, ibibigay sa kanila,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

(I am happy with the result, both teams were giving their best but I told my team, whoever wants to win will get it, so they got it.)

Noel Kampton had 22 points, while JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao had 20 and 19 points, respectively for the Green Spikers.

NU and La Salle will start their Final Four match on Wednesday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News