UAAP: NU clinches men’s Final Four spot, Lady Bulldogs sweep Adamson

National University outlasted Adamson University in a five-set thriller, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 15-8, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion to secure a spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Final Four.

Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin powered the Bulldogs with 26 points each. Ordiales anchored the floor with 12 receptions, while Buddin had his own 14, as NU improved to 9-2 and booked its 11th consecutive postseason appearance since Season 75. The Bulldogs also kept their bid for a sixth straight title alive.

“Lagi namang sinasabi ni Coach Dante Alinsunurin na sumunod lang sa sistema, sa kung anong ginagawa namin sa ensayo, lalo na almost mga senior players na rin ‘yung nasa team namin,” said NU assistant coach Jessie Lopez. “Paalala lang sa kanila, pagdating sa pressure game, dapat mauna kami.”

Richard Besorio scored 17 points, while Mark Leo Coguimbal added 13 in the loss as Adamson dropped to 2-9.

In the women’s division, the NU Lady Bulldogs followed it up with a dominant 25-20, 25-21, 25-21 sweep of the Adamson Lady Falcons.

Vange Alinsug led the way with 15 points, while Sam Cantada and Arah Panique chipped in 12 points each, as NU improved to 8-3 and strengthened its hold on second place in the standings.

The win spoiled Shaina Nitura’s 23-point performance for Adamson, which fell to 6-5.

—JKC, GMA News