The National University Bulldogs (NU) rallied from a two-set deficit to beat the defending champions Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 75 men's volleyball finals Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping the first two sets, the Bulldogs relied on their blocking and defense to pull out a five-set win, 16-25, 18-25, 25-13, 25-17 and 15-8.
Peter Den Mar Torres bucked a slow start and finished with 18 points on 13 attacks, four blocks and one ace to lead the Bulldogs' charge.
The Tamaraws, playing without injured star setter Pitrus de Ocampo, got off to a bright start thanks to veterans Ian Dela Calzada and Arvin Avila.
But the Bulldogs forced an extension after dominating the third set, 25-13.
"Simple lang naman po ginawa namin, kasi down nga po kami ng two sets," said Reyson Fuentes.
"Kailangan lang namin i-motivate ang sarili namin, kasi wala namang tutulong sa amin kundi sarili namin at 'yung mga coaches na nagbigay na payo," he added.
A 25-17 victory in Set 4 allowed NU to force a do-or-die fifth set.
In the fifth set, the Bulldogs took advantage of FEU's unforced errors to take an early 5-2 lead and never looked back.
The Bulldogs can claim the UAAP Season 75 title in Game 2 on March 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"Mas magpo-focus kami kung saan kami nag-error," said Torres when asked how they can avoid another slow start.
Ben Inaudito added 16 points for National U.
John Depamaylo led the Tamaraws with 19 points, while Avila finished with 17 and Dela Calzada had 12.
source: abs-cbnnews.com
