By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Leo Ordiales delivered a standout performance as the National University (NU) Bulldogs secured the last twice-to-beat incentive with a 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 28-26 victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, April 25.
Ordiales erupted for 22 points, built on 19 attacks and three blocks, and came through in the closing moments as the Bulldogs overcame a late surge from the Golden Spikers to lock in the No. 2 seed.
“Pagod na kasi akong matalo. Nung nanalo kami kanina, talagang sobrang saya ko kasi lahat ng trinabaho namin nitong mga araw na ito, talagang nagbunga talaga. Pero sabi nga namin, hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban,” Ordiales said.
With the win, NU not only snapped a two-game skid to end the eliminations but also gained momentum heading into the Final 4, where it will face UST anew on Wednesday, April 29, with a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Bulldogs are also inching closer to an 11th straight finals appearance as they continue their bid for a sixth consecutive title.
NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed confidence in his squad’s composure despite the tight finish.
“May tiwala pa rin ako sa mga players ko dahil matagal ko na silang kasama. Alam ko ‘yung kakayahan nila. Siguro nung game kanina, gusto nilang tapusin agad sa mabilis na paraan, pero sabi ko nga, hindi kailangan maging excited. Importante lang ay mag-focus kami sa gusto naming mangyari sa loob ng court,” Alinsunurin said.
Ordiales played a crucial role in NU’s late-game stand in the fourth set, where the Bulldogs squandered a 19-15 lead before regaining control in a tense finish.
UST managed to reach set point twice, including at 25-24 off a drop ball from presumptive MVP Josh Ybañez.
But NU responded behind Ordiales, who figured in the decisive sequence, including a match-ending block that sealed the win.
Buds Buddin provided ample support with 20 points, while also contributing 21 excellent receptions and six digs.
Jade Disquitado added 10 points, as Obed Mukaba and team captain Peng Taguibolos chipped in eight and six markers, respectively.
Setter Greg Ancheta paced the offense with 30 excellent sets.
Ybañez led UST with 20 points, while Gboy de Vega added 13.
Sherwin Umandal and Trevor Valera had 12 apiece, as the Golden Spikers saw their four-game winning streak come to an end./ASC, WDJ