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UAAP 82: NU relies on rookie, senior to top Ateneo, win men's badminton title

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National University leaned on rookie Solomon Padiz Jr. and graduating senior Keeyan Gabuelo to beat Ateneo 3-1 in Quezon City on Saturday and secure their sixth consecutive UAAP men&#x27;s badminton title.After failing to finish the match in the second game despite three match points, the Bulldogs pair closed out the series at PNP Sports Center Badminton Courts with a huge 21-14 win in the final game over Keoni Asuncion and Arthur Salvado.&quot;Lagi silang nakaka-encounter nu&#x27;ng ganun situation. Kung kelan malapit na, doon sila nape-pressure,&quot; NU coach Jaime Llanes said.Gabuelo and Padiz opened the second doubles match with a 21-17 win before Asuncion and Salvado snagged the second 23-21.With their spectacular campaign, Gabuelo was named the Most Valuable Player while Padiz took Rookie of the Year honors.The win is the Bulldogs&#x27; 51st straight dating back to UAAP Season 77. Moreover, NU tied Ateneo for the UAAP most badminton championships with six.Padiz leveled the tie after stunning Asuncion 21-9, 21-14, in the second singles match, before fellow freshmen James Villarante and Julius Villabrille sent NU to the brink of the championship with a 21-18, 23-21 decision over Geno Cariño and Fides Bagasbas.Ateneo captain Bagasbas opened the day with an upset of opposing skipper Gabuelo, 21-19, 11-21, 21-18, in the first singles rubber.<div>For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.</div>

NU leaned on rookie Solomon Padiz Jr. and graduating senior Keeyan Gabuelo to beat Ateneo 3-1 on Saturday for the Bulldogs' 6th men's championship in a row.

NU leaned on rookie Solomon Padiz Jr. and graduating senior Keeyan Gabuelo to beat Ateneo 3-1 on Saturday for the Bulldogs' 6th men's championship in a row.