Raheem’s career-high not enough as NU outclasses UP
Despite foreign student athlete Olayemi Raheem’s 26-point explosion, University of the Philippines suffered its second straight loss in the second round of eliminations in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a four-set defeat against defending champions NU Bulldogs 25-23, 14-25, 20-25, 23-25, Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Dan Nicolas led the charge in the first frame with multiple attacks, while Gelo Lipata’s timely blocks helped stifle NU’s offensive rhythm, allowing them to grab the first set despite NU’s efforts to catch up late in the frame.
The next two frames were all NU, with UP unable to solve Buds Buddin’s attacks and Jade Disquitado’s quick plays. While the insertion of the likes of Kobe Aca-ac and Marlon De Guzman provided steady backline defense, NU continued to attack the donut holes in UP’s defense.
UP was up by two late in the fourth set at 20-18, but a series of errors and kill blocks allowed NU to finish the match after a Raheem attack sailed out.
No other Fighting Maroon aside from Raheem scored double digits, with middle blockers Nicolas and Lipata scoring seven apiece, and Gelay Lagando, Tommy Castrodes, and Louise Aballe all contributing four points each.
Meanwhile, it was a team effort for the Bulldogs, with Disquitado’s 22 markers from 21 attacks and a block leading the way. He was assisted by Leo Aringo’s 19 points, all from attacks, Buddin’s 17, and Jade Disquitado’s 10.
NU, who was coming off a loss against La Salle last Sunday, now stands at solo second at 7-2, with their other loss being to the still-undefeated FEU Tamaraws, who they will face next on Sunday, March 30, 11 AM, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UP, on the other hand, finds itself with a 2-7 win-loss record at the sixth spot, above the Adamson Soaring Falcons’ 2-6 and the still-winless UE Red Warriors. The team will attempt to repeat its first-round win against UE at 9 AM, on the same date and venue.
All photos by John James Corpuz
This UP Fighting Maroons Club post is made in partnership with Jiang Nan Hotpot.
