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UAAP: Bulldogs, Tams clash for title

by Kristel Satumbaga

National University barged into its seventh straight finals appearance after dispatching Adamson University, 25-19, 25-16, 25-20, yesterday in UAAP men’s volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Though armed with a twice-to-beat semifinal incentive after finishing the double-round eliminations at No. 1, the Bulldogs went full throttle against the fourth-seeded Falcons.

NU needed only 41 minutes to do the job with Kim Malabunga rising to the occasion by firing 17 points.

Malabunga smashed eight spikes and managed eight blocks for the Bulldogs, who dictated the pace for most parts. NU had 16 blocks overall.

Bryan Bagunas was far from his usual fiery form and struggled with only nine points. But he made every point count as eight from it came from the attack line.

NU’s victory arranged a best-of-three championship meeting with Far Eastern University, which returned to the finals for the first time since 2012 after edging fancied Ateneo, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, on Saturday.

Game 1 is scheduled on May 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tags: Adamson University , Bryan Bagunas , Bulldogs , Far Eastern University , Kim Malabunga , men’s volleyball , National University , UAAP , UAAP men’s volleyball