By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The National University (NU) Bulldogs kept their five-peat dream alive with a 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11 victory over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, May 14.

Negrense Leo Ordiales tallied 13 points, on 11 attacks and two service aces, to go with four excellent digs as the four-time defending champion Bulldogs tied the best-of-three title series at 1-1.

Michaelo Buddin spearheaded the win with a double-double of 20 points and 11 excellent receptions.

Obed Mukaba and Leo Aringo also hit double-digits with 20 and 10 points, respectively, for NU.

The Bulldogs clawed their way back from a 5-8 deficit in the deciding fifth set behind timely conversions from Buddin, Mukaba and Aringo to extend the series to a winner-take-all Game 3 on Saturday, May 17.

“Nakikita namin kung ano ‘yung mga struggle namin kada mayroong importanteng game, or may twice-to-beat kami, natatalo kami. Kailangan naming lumaban para sa do-or-die,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said after the game.

“Pero ito ‘yung lalong magpapatibay sa amin, para mas gumanda ‘yung programa namin lalo sa NU. Hindi lang naman ngayon, kundi sa mga susunod pang mga game,” he added.

Dryx Saavedra finished with 24 points.

Amet Bituin added 10 markers for the Tamaraws, who will attempt to end their 13-season UAAP championship drought in Game 3 on Saturday./ASC, WDJ