Michaelo Buddin delivered another solid 17-point performance, propelling National University to its second consecutive victory with a 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 romp over Emilio Aguinaldo College in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Buddin’s consistent performance included 13 attacks, three blocks and an ace, mirroring his impactful play that helped the Bulldogs secure a four-set victory against the Perpetual Altas last Wednesday.
Leo Aringo, who equaled Buddin’s 17-point output in the match against Perpetual, contributed 13 points this time. But the team captain put up an all-around game that featured nine excellent receptions and five excellent digs, which were crucial in establishing the Bulldogs’ early lead.
“Nagsisimula ulit kaming mabuo ‘yung team kaya although panalo kami, malaking bagay ‘yung nakakuha ng experience ‘yung ibang players namin. Kailangan talaga naming mag-gel pa para mabawasan ‘yung unforced errors namin,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Obed Mukaba added six points in the Bulldogs’ one-hour, 13-minute victory, while Jan Abadillad contributed five markers for the reigning UAAP champions.
NU aims to maintain its momentum as it prepares to face the University of Santo Tomas in a rematch of the UAAP finals next Sunday at 3 p.m., also at the Paco Arena.
In contrast, the Generals, despite a 14-point effort from Jan Ruther Abor, suffered their second consecutive defeat. No other player from EAC reached double digits in scoring, with Frelwin Taculog finishing with seven points.
EAC had previously endured a 0-3 loss to Ateneo.
The Generals will take an extended break and hope to regroup and perform better against De La Salle University on Aug. 14.
