The NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — With the defending champions on the ropes, it was rookie setter Jeffe Gallego who took control and guided National University to a comeback victory.

Displaying poise beyond his years, the UAAP Season 86 Boys' Volleyball Finals Most Valuable Player orchestrated the Bulldogs' offense, steering them from two sets down to a thrilling 20-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12 reverse sweep of Adamson University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In the league's first five-setter match since opening day, Gallego’s steady hands and sharp decision-making turned the tide for NU, sparking a crucial third-set rally that reignited the Bulldogs' fire.

“Sa past few games namin, hindi ako nagagamit pero ginagawa ko pa rin palagi na ready ako sa bench kasi alam ko na gagamitin ako. Nasa mindset ko na kailangan pag ginamit ako, gagawin ko yung best ko and yung 100 percent ko na makakatulong palagi sa team,” Gallego said, who delivered 22 excellent sets with four points on three blocks and one ace.

Gallego was brought in the middle of the second set to replace Greg Ancheta.

His precision feeding the likes of Buds Buddin, Leo Aringo, and Jade Disquitado allowed NU to steadily chip away at Adamson’s momentum and seize control when it mattered most.

Locked in a 10-all deadlock in the fifth set, Gallego’s calm presence kept NU composed.

Two Adamson attack errors, combined with a down-the-line hit from Aringo, pushed the Bulldogs ahead 13-10.

Although Aguilar answered with back-to-back points for Adamson, Gallego’s well-timed set to Choi Diao for a quick hit, Buddin’s clutch block, and a Jude Aguilar error sealed the Bulldogs' stirring comeback.

“Nung first part ng game namin, sobrang struggled kami sa pasa namin and serve namin kaya hindi namin magawa yung gusto namin gawin sa court and buti na lang pagdating nung third set onward, medyo unti-unti nakarecover kami hanggang sa dulo na nakuha namin yung game. At least sa amin, naimprove yung skills namin on time,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

Buddin powered NU with 22 points built on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces with nine excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Disquitado provided the much-needed spark off-the-bench with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks with eight excellent receptions and seven excellent receptions.

Aringo tallied 13 points on 12 attacks and one block with 10 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Taguibolos also scored 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks.

Starting libero Jimwell Gapultos tallied 20 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

The Bulldogs improved to 5-1, tightening their grip on solo second place.

They now hold a 1.5-game cushion over University of Santo Tomas (4-2) heading into their highly anticipated clash on Sunday, March 16, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, Adamson fell to 1-5, tying University of the Philippines at the bottom of the standings.

Aguilar paced the Soaring Falcons in the loss with a career-best 26-point effort on 24 attacks and two aces with six excellent digs, while Mark Paulino fired out 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and one ace with nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

Leo Coguimbal contributed 12 points on six attacks and six blocks, while Ronn Domingo dished out 21 excellent sets with six points on five attacks and one block.

The Soaring Falcons will aim to close their first round on a high note when they face UP on Saturday, March 15, also at the Big Dome.