Mike Buddin erupted for a career-high 32 points to lift defending champion National University past De La Salle, 19-25, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 16-14, and claim the last twice-to-beat semifinal bonus in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball on Saturday, May 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Buddin highlighted his performance with 29 attacks and three blocks including the last three powerful hits that pulled untangled NU from the deadlock en route to the match win.

“Natutuwa ako sa naging resulta ng game, both teams talaga ayaw magpatalo. Sabi ko sa team ko sa bandang huli kung sino talaga gusto manalo ibibigay sa kanila,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

Nico Almendras poured all his 15 points on kills while Choi Diao had 11 points for the Bulldogs, who wound up with the No. 2 seeding behind Far Eastern University.

NU captain Joshua Retamar also steered NU with 24 excellent sets on top of six points.

It was a revenge of sorts for the Bulldogs, who lost to the Green Spikers in the second round.

With the semis incentive tucked under its belt, NU hopes for another repeat performance when it tangles with De La Salle on Wednesday, May 8, at the same venue, for a shot at the finals.

“Buti nakapag-respond kami sa [lapses namin] ‘yung receiving nagiging problema. Naging maganda lang siguro ‘yung adjustment namin sa game after that,” Alinsunurin said.

With De La Salle leading 8-7, there was a long lull as NU challenged a foot fault on Vince Maglinao’s landing after his crosscourt kill.

The challenge system display first showed that there was no fault, then after discussions initiated by Retamar to the referees, the replay was shown again and this time, it showed that there was indeed a foot fault at the centerline.

Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo took turns to pace the Green Spikers with 22 and 20 points, respectively. 

Maglinao, for his part, added 19 markers off 16 attacks and three blocks in the losing effort.