Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) — The National University Bulldogs dominated the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball as they bagged their third straight title and completed a rare season sweep.
The NU Bulldogs defeated the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-20, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
NU had to survive a five-set thriller in Game 1 of the finals, but it secured its crown with a comfortable gap during Sunday’s match.
Buds Buddin tallied 20 points from 18 attacks, a block, and a service ace, but veteran setter Joshua Retamar, who was the tournament’s best, stood as the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).
UST’s Josh Ybañez, the Rookie of the Year and the season’s MVP, fought to lead the team’s rally in extending the finale with his 13 markers but could not turn the script to their favor.
With points at 21-14 in the third set, UST chased NU in an attempt to close the gap. It managed to get near, 23-20, but Buddin’s power tip brought NU to a championship point before Ybañez made an attack error.
