The task is simple for the four-time defending champion NU in Game 2: win and the five-peat drive stays alive or lose, and the Bulldogs’ four-year reign is over.
The dynasty is on the ropes—and for the first time in years, the crown wobbles.
But National U is out to force a winner-take-all contest as the Bulldogs look to live and fight another day in tackling the FEU Tamaraws in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals on Wednesday, May 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
Game time is at 1:00 p.m.
The Tamaraws faltered late that led to heartbreaking 25-22, 22-25, 25-13, 22-25,13-15 loss to the Tamaraws, marking their first Finals-
Leo Ordiales uncorked a team-high 23 points while Jade Disquitado added 17 in a losing effort. Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos contributed 12 and nine markers, respectively but NU collapsed in the end-game.
That defeat not only put their historic five-peat bid in jeopardy, but also sent NU to another do-or-die situation.
[ALSO READ: Buds Buddin remains confident in NU’s comeback after Game 1 loss vs FEU: 'Kaya namin eh']
Just last week, they overcame a feisty UST squad in the Final Four to punch their ticket to the championship round.
[ALSO READ: Leo Ordiales lives up to expectations as NU heads to 10th straight UAAP Men’s Volleyball Finals]
Now, the pressure is on and NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin knows it.
"Sabi ko nga, ito 'yung lalong magpapatibay sa 'min, para mas gumanda 'yung programa namin lalo sa NU, hindi lang naman ngayon, kundi sa mga susunod pang mga game," Alinsunurin told reporters in the post-game press conference.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]