National University shook off a heartbreaking five-set loss to bury Arellano University in straight sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-14, Saturday at Gameville Central Park. The win closed out V-League preliminaries and pushed the Bulldogs into third place.

NU pulled off the win despite missing Peng Taguibolos, Leo Ordiales, and Buds Buddin, all of whom flew to Japan for the Asian Games. Choi Diao, Godfrey Gambo, Luke Macatangay, and RK Medino filled the void against the Chiefs.

Gambo And Disquitado Anchor Bulldogs’ Balanced Attack

Gambo led all scorers with 12 points, built on nine kills, three blocks, and one service ace. Macatangay and Medino backed him up with 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Jade Disquitado turned in a quiet but efficient floor game.

Disquitado finished with seven points, three digs, and 11 excellent receptions, rounding out a balanced attack for NU. The performance came right after the Bulldogs’ tough five-set defeat to UAAP rival Far Eastern University.

Head coach Dante Alinsunurin said he challenged his players to step up once their Asian Games-bound teammates left for Japan. “After nung talo namin against FEU, sinabi ko sa kanila, mag-prepare kasi hindi na makakalaro yung mga Alas players natin,” Alinsunurin said.

He added that the response from his remaining lineup validated that message heading into the final stretch. “Nag-respond naman sila ngayon do’n sa challenge na binigay natin,” the longtime mentor said.

Arellano’s Season Ends As NU Eyes Semis

Alinsunurin, a former national team coach, still wants sharper execution from his reigning six-time UAAP champions before the semifinals begin. He pointed to a lack of composure as the team’s biggest fix heading into the postseason.

“Sa ‘kin is ‘yung pasensya lang sa court. Alam ko naman ‘yung kaya nilang gawin, pero minsan nagmamadali sila,” Alinsunurin said. “Yun yung dapat talaga naming ma-address sa game namin,” he added.

Arellano, meanwhile, closed out its campaign with a 2-5 win-loss record, officially ending its run in the tournament. The Chiefs struggled to find consistent scoring outside of one bright spot on their roster.

Jiwen Sinuto stood alone in double figures for Arellano, finishing with 12 points, all of them off attacks. The result leaves NU focused on closing strong while Arellano turns its attention to next season.