NATIONAL University secured at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage, while Far Eastern University clinched a Final Four berth after sweeping their respective foes on Sunday in UAAP Season 81 volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bryan Bagunas scored 23 points as NU beat La Salle, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16, for its 10th win in 11 matches.
Bagunas nailed 21 of the Bulldogs’ 47 attacks and also had 12 excellent receptions.
Nico Almendras scored 11 and James Natividad added nine, as NU moved closer to earning a twice-to-beat advantage. The Bulldogs try to secure the twice-to-beat when they take on University of Santo Tomas (4-7) next Sunday at the MOA Arena.
No Green Spiker scored in double figures, with Cris Dumago and JD Delos Reyes delivering eight points each.
La Salle is on the brink of elimination with a 4-7 record and will fight for survival against Adamson (7-4) on Saturday also at the Big Dome.
Meanwhile, FEU made short work of University of the East, 25-18, 25-19, 25-12, to become the second team to reach the Final Four this season.
Following a five-set loss to Adamson last Wednesday, the Tamaraws vented their ire on the Red Warriors, finishing the match in just 66 minutes with FEU coach Rey Diaz not calling any timeout in the match.
Jude Garcia scored 11, JP Bugaoan added 10, while Redi John Paler and Peter Quiel had eight points each as FEU kept its hold of the second place with 9-2 record. They face University of the Philippines (1-10) also on Sunday next week.
Angelu Noel Alba and Lloyd Josafat had six points each for UE, which dropped to a 2-9 slate, before facing Adamson on Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.