BRYAN Bagunas scored 30 points as National University beat and Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, on Sunday to force a rubber match in their Premier Volleyball League semifinal series at the Arena in San Juan.
Less than 24 hours after losing the series opener, NU fought back behind Bagunas, who had 27 kills on 54 percent success rate and had two blocks and a service, while also delivering 15 excellent receptions and six digs.
Kim Malabunga scored 15 and skipper Francis Saura added 13 as NU forced a decider on Saturday.
Kim Dayandante made 32 excellent sets, while libero Ricky Marcos had 21 excellent receptions and 20 digs.
NU assistant coach Dong Dela Cruz again called the shots for the Bulldogs, with Dante Alinsunurin in Surigao del Sur for the Beach Volleyball Republic tournament.
“Well medyo mas nakafocus sila ngayon unlike kahapon na medyo relax ‘yung laro nila. So ngayon nagfocus sila, especially sa blocking medyo gumanda depensa namin kaya ayun maganda result ng game,” De la Cruz said.
“Last time hindi sila nag-uusap eh. Ngayon nag-uusap sila alam nila kung sinong ba-blockin and ‘yung kagustuhan na manalo ng mga bata yun ang naging key although andaming errors sa service.”
The Bulldogs dominated the Tamaraws in attacking with a 63-47 differential and in blocking with a 12-7 edge to make up for their 28 errors. They also nailing only two aces out of 95 service attempts.
“Same intensity, focus more kami sa blocking ulit, sa depensa kasi opensa halos lahat ng team naman meron niyan nagkakatalo sa depensa talaga,” he said.
Redijohn Paler scored 16 and John Paul Bugaoan added 13 for FEU.
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