National University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — National University claimed the remaining twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball Final 4.

In doing so, the defending champions sent Ateneo de Manila University to the brink of elimination through their 30-28, 25-23, 25-16 triumph, Sunday morning at the Araneta Coliseum.

Thanks to the collective efforts of team captain Leo Aringo and the spark provided by Jan Abanilla, the Bulldogs claimed a crucial playoff advantage while annexing the spot of rival squad UST Golden Spikers in the Final Four. They tallied their fifth straight win to hike their record to 11-2.

In this process, NU sent Ateneo on the verge of bowing out from Final Four contention. A win by De La Salle University over University of the Philippines would complete the Final 4 cast in the men's division and officially boot out the Blue Eagles from the postseason festivities for the third straight year.

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“Bago kami pumunta talaga rito, minindset namin na kailangan namin itong game na ito kasi ito yung magiging advantage pagdating ng Final Four. Sa pinakita ng players ko na kahit sinong ipasok, nag-deliver sila at sobrang thankful ako sa naging performance kasi sa situation na ito na anytime, kahit sino yung hugutin ko, magpe-perform,” Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

Unlike the first two frames, two straight crosscourt hits from Aringo proved to be crucial for NU’s straight-set win aspirations, sending Ateneo to a seven-point, 19-12 hole that proved to be too steep to overcome.

The Blue Eagles inched within five points with a 3-1 spurt to cut the deficit to 20-15, but a 1-2 play from Greg Ancheta, an off-the-speed hit and an ace from Michaelo Buddin, and an off-the-block attack and a game-sealing offspeed move from Abanilla completed the Bulldogs’ fifth consecutive win in just 78 minutes.  

A tightly contested second set saw the frame deadlocked at 21-all, but an attack error from Jian Salarzon and three straight attacks from Aringo propelled NU to a two-set advantage.

Buddin top-scored for the Bulldogs with 15 points on 10 attacks, three blocks, and two aces with eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs, while Aringo provided 12 points on 11 attacks with seven excellent digs and six excellent receptions.

Abanilla relished his first Season 87 start with 11 points and seven excellent digs, while Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba and Choi Diao chipped in five points each.

Ancheta dictated NU’s offense with 19 excellent sets, while starting libero Jimwell Gapultos provided 11 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

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The Bulldogs will conclude the eliminations with a clash against the Golden Spikers on Sunday, April 27, also at the Araneta Coliseum.

All hope is not lost for Ateneo as should La Salle drop its last three preliminary matches -- coupled with a Blue Eagles win over the UE Red Warriors on April 26 at the Big Dome -- a possible two-way tie for fourth place at 7-7 could be forged.

Batas paced Ateneo with 12 points on 11 attacks with eight excellent receptions, while Amil Pacinio scored 11 points and four excellent digs. Salarzon tallied 10 points and 14 excellent receptions in the losing effort.

Enzo Gutierrez dished out 16 excellent sets, while team captain Lance de Castro achieved 18 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.