Romwel Anzures

National University’s Buds Buddin against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball. UAAP Media.

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774691532414IMG_0515.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>National University’s Buds Buddin against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball. UAAP Media.MANILA — National University pressed the right buttons to edge past Ateneo de Manila University in three tight sets, 25-21, 25-23, 27-25, to move closer to the Final Four of UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday.</div>The Bulldogs improved to 8-2, just half a game behind league-leading Far Eastern University, which holds an 8-1 record.A win against Adamson University on Easter Sunday at the same venue will assure NU of at least a playoff for a semifinals berth. The Bulldogs have been a regular Final Four fixture since Season 75.“Lahat naman ng team ngayong second round ay nagsi-step up eh, so hindi puwedeng. Kumbaga, tapos na lahat ng adjustments. Lahat talaga lumalakas ngayon so pinaghahandaan namin sa training,” said NU deputy coach Dong Dela Cruz.The Blue Eagles controlled the early pace in the third set and led, 18-15, before the Bulldogs mounted a comeback.Behind Michaelo Buddin, Peng Taguibolos, and key Ateneo errors, NU forced a 24-all deadlock.Aimar Okeke gave Ateneo its second set point with a sharp down-the-line hit, but the Bulldogs responded after the Blue Eagles committed a service error.Jade Disquitado then put NU at match point with a crosscourt kill, before Julio Yu’s attack sailed out to seal the win in one hour and 25 minutes, snapping Ateneo’s three-game winning streak.Buddin led NU with 19 points built on 16 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, along with five receptions and four digs, while Leo Ordiales added 11 markers.Disquitado chipped in eight points, nine receptions, and five digs, while Taguibolos had six points, including four blocks. Jimwell Gapultos anchored the floor defense with 17 excellent receptions and seven digs.For Ateneo, Okeke finished with 19 points on 14 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, alongside eight receptions and four digs.Despite his effort, the Blue Eagles dropped to 5-5, still in fourth place but just half a game ahead of De La Salle University, which holds a 4-5 slate. Yu added seven points and five receptions off the bench.Ateneo will try to bounce back on April 8 against University of the Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena.

National University pressed the right buttons to edge past Ateneo de Manila University in three tight sets. #UAAPSeason88

National University pressed the right buttons to edge past Ateneo de Manila University in three tight sets. #UAAPSeason88

UAAP: NU men escape Ateneo in tight sweep, move closer to Final Four

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UAAP: NU men escape Ateneo in tight sweep, move closer to Final Four

ABS-CBN News

Published March 28, 2026 06:01 PM PHT

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