By NIKOLE JAVIER
When power-hitting Buds Buddin is on target, nothing and nobody can stop National University.
Just like yesterday.
Buddin was again on fire, scattering 23 points on 19 attacks to help power the Bulldogs to a 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21 win over the La Salle Archers and into the finals for 9th straight in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a fitting sequel to a career-high 32 points he dished out in clinching a twice-to-beat advantage last week. He also logged two blocks and two service aces as the Bulldogs continued to dominate the league.
Senior playmaker Owa Retamar was also instrumental in NU’s impressive win with excellent sets on top of five kill blocks.
Not to be left out were Nico Almendras and Leo Aringo chipped in 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, opposite spiker JM Ronquillo despite leading all scorers with 27 big points for La Salle, just couldn’t translate his individual brilliance to something greater than a semifinal finish.
NU had to buck a slow start before cruising control with a 2-1 set lead.
In the fourth set, though, La Salle managed to lock the game at 14-all, the Bulldogs refused to blink, coming through with timely hits to prevail.
