National University in action in its UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals Game 2 clash against Far Eastern University, May 14, 2025, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.
MANILA (UPDATED) — National University's dream of completing a five-peat in UAAP men’s volleyball is alive.
The Bulldogs survived Far Eastern University, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11, in Game 2 of their Season 87 Finals faceoff on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to tie the series, 1-1.
Game 3 of the Best-of-3 series is on Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m., still at the same Pasay Bayside arena.
The Bulldogs rallied from an 8-5 deficit in the deciding set and showed their championship pedigree to level through the leadership of Buds Buddin who is towing NU to victory with an injured right ankle.
"'Di ko hahayaan na matalo yung team namin," said the 23-year-old, who finished with 20 points, 11 receptions, and a pair of digs. "Isa ako sa mga senior, so talagang tyinaga ko para makabalik ako."
"Talagang kahit hindi kami magkarinigan, [nagkakaintindihan kami kahit] nagkakatinginan na lang kami kung ano dapat gawin sa loob ng court. Kaya sobrang thankful ako kasi nag-deliver talaga sila," added NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
"Lalo na nung fifth set. Lamang sila ng tatlo, sabi ko sa players ko, kailangan lang bumalik tayo, kailangan lang natin kung ano yung ginagawa natin sa training, kung ano yung ginagawa natin pag may game. Kailangan balik balikan natin," he furthered.
A Mikko Espartero error opened the late-game flurry of NU in the said set, and it was Buddin’s kill that allowed them to overtake their counterparts, 11-10, later on.
What followed was a five-to-one closing surge from the Bulldogs, one that was ended by a Jade Disquitado block on Dryx Saavedra.
"Nung fifth set sabi namin hindi pa naman tapos," said Buddin. "Nandito ulit tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon, sanay tayo sa ganito. Tiyagain lang natin every single point, isa-isahin lang natin ayun nagbunga lahat ng effort namin."
On the other hand, Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 24 points and six digs, while Amet Bituin was the next-highest pointer with 10 markers.