NATIONAL University prevented University of Santo Tomas from sweeping the elimination round, scoring a 25-22, 18-25, 25-22, 25-20 victory to steal the top place in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference on Sunday at the Arena in San Juan City.
While Bryan Bagunas missed a third straight PVL match as he prepares for the UAAP Season 81 Beach Volleyball tournament, the Bulldogs remained deadly with other players stepping up to end the Tiger Spikers’ eight-match winning streak.
Graduating spiker Madz Gampong once again provided the firepower for NU, unloading 15 points off 12 kills, two service aces and a block.
James Natividad had 10 points and seven digs, while rookie Angelo Almendras also scored 10 while adding four excellent receptions.
Kim Malabunga added nine markers, while libero Ricky Marcos had 20 receptions and 16 digs.
NU was outplayed by UST in the spiking department, 42-49, but the Bulldogs used their height to dominate in blocking with a 12-6 edge.
NU and UST both finished with 8-1 win-loss records but the Bulldogs earned the top place by one point in the tiebreak.
The Bulldogs will know who they will face on Wednesday when the playoff for No. 4 is played.
Rookie Genesis Redido led UST with 17 points, Manuel Medina had an all-around game with 13 hits, 14 excellent receptions and nine digs, while Jayvee Sumagaysay added 11 points.
The Tiger Spikers dropped to second place and will be up against third placer Adamson Falcons (6-3) in the best-of-three semifinals starting next week.
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