National University star Buds Buddin vs. Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals. Photo from Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — A sea of green and gold was starting to roar as Far Eastern University built an 8-5 advantage in Set 5 against National University on Wednesday.
The Tamaraws were seven points away from dethroning the five-peat-seeking Bulldogs in Game 2, and the FEU side of the Mall of Asia Arena could not wait to burst as they looked to celebrate their first championship since Season 74 in 2011-12.
On the opposite end, meanwhile, were the Nationalians who were looking to tally their team back into the contest.
The Blue and Gold faithful were used to seeing the Bulldogs dominate their opponents and their counterparts since Season 80 in 2017-18. That is why trailing in the endgame of an elimination match in the championship round — all these while also being down 0-1 in the series — was unfamiliar territory for them.
Fortunately for NU, their main gunner Buds Buddin is not new to overcoming adversity.
The 23-year-old outside hitter has been dealing with a sprained ankle since the latter part of Round 2, and it was only a week ago when he made his timely return, helping the Bulldogs eliminate University of Santo Tomas in the Final 4.
“‘Di ko hahayaan na matalo yung team namin. Isa ako sa mga senior, so talagang tyinaga ko para makabalik ako,” said Buddin, who finished with 20 points, 11 receptions, and a pair of digs.
READ: Bulldogs bite back, outlast Tams to force Game 3 for men's crown
Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunirin also reiterated the importance of the 6-foot-1 outside hitter to their squad, saying that what Buddin brings to the table is both valuable on-and-off the taraflex.
“Dalawang araw kong pinag-isipan kung sino gagamitin ko,” said Alinsunurin of his veteran.
“Pero ang kailangan ko talaga, hindi lang nagsasalita, importante talaga kasi yung gumagalaw din. Naging maganda yung resulta kasi hindi lang siya talaga vocal, ginagawa niya at talagang tinatrabaho niya.”
“Pumupuntos siya, dumedepensa siya, kaya sobrang thankful ako sa performance niya. Kahit na may iniinda siya, lumaban talaga. Sinasabi niya na: ‘Coach, ipasok mo ako,’” he added.
And this was indeed the case as, despite National U being on the brink of losing a five-setter to the same squad for the second time in four days, Buddin remained undeterred.
“Nung fifth set, sabi namin sa mga sarili namin na: ‘Di pa naman tapos,’” he said. “Sanay tayo sa ganito, so tiyagain lang natin hanggang sa magbunga yung effort natin.”
NU then leaned on their composure to extend their tournament lives, scoring three straight points to tie the game, and Buddin later capped off their six-to-two charge with a kill for an 11-to advantage.
“Naghu-huddle kami at natanong: ’Para saan ba tayo lumalaban?’ Sabi ko: ‘Para sa pangarap natin, sa coaches natin, at sa mga family natin,’” shared Buddin when asked about what helped them in their late-game surge.
NU went on to regain their footing to seal the victory, and it was their championship experience that eventually worked wonders for them, said Buddin.
“Mas lumabas yung maturity at experience namin,” he acknowledged. “Nakita ko rin na naging advantage is yung blocking namin, nache-check namin sila. Doon nag start yung momentum na mapunta sa amin.”
Aside from their poise inside the court, Buddin also credited the NU faithful who stood by their side when things were looking bad for the spikers from Jhocson Street.
“Ang laking impact rin na nakita namin yung crowd at yung teammates namin,” he raved. “So isa rin yun sa naging reason kung bakit kami naging motivated.”
Buddin and the rest of the Bulldogs will now look to lean on these as they aim to complete the five-peat on Saturday, May 17, at the same Pasay-based arena.
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