Buds Buddin delivered for the NU Bulldogs as they secured the twice-to-beat advantage come the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament.
When it mattered the most, Buds Buddin came through in the clutch for National University, helping the defending champion Bulldogs escape with a five-set victory against De La Salle University, 19-25, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 16-14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 4.
The win secured NU's twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, where they will face La Salle once more next week.
Buddin fired a career-high 32 points built on 29 attacks, and three blocks. The big output also included the Bulldog's last three points for the win in the tight fifth set.
In those crucial moments, Buddin admitted saying a few words to superstar setter Owa Retamar before delivering the win to NU.
"Nung dikit na, lumapit ako kay kuya Owa, sabi ko kay Owa, 'Bigay mo nang ibigay sakin, ako na tatapos,'" Buddin said during the post-game press conference.
"Thank you naman kay kuya Owa kasi grabe 'yung tiwala niya sa akin kahit ang dami kong na-miss na game, nandun pa rin trust niya sa akin," he added.
Buddin, the second-best outside hitter last season, missed NU's first nine games in Season 86 due to a right-hand fracture.
Despite this, the Bulldogs managed to maintain a top-two record in the tournament, only fueling Buddin to make his return worth it for NU.
"Siyempre, ['yung] effort namin sa loob ng court and sa training namin, gusto ko lang siya maging worth it kaya every time ibibigay sakin bola, talagang 100% bibigay ko best ko para maka-puntos." said Buddin
"Ayoko lang din masayang 'yung tinrabaho namin ng ilang weeks and siyempre nung unang naglaro ako na nababad against La Salle 'yun, and siyempre, eto 'yung pagkakataon ko makabawi," he added.
Buddin will look to continue his stellar performance as the four-peat seeking NU looks to down La Salle once more in their Final Four matchup.