MANILA, Philippines: DEFENDING champion National University gave up a tight second set but earned the next two to defeat Adamson University, 25-19, 25-27, 25-21, 25-18, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Volleyball Tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Nico Almendras topped the scoring for the Bulldogs with 23 points and 19 excellent receptions while rookie Jade Disquitado backstopped him with 21 points and 11 receptions.

Raising its record to 2-1, NU created a three-way tie at second with De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas.

"Sa ginawa namin nagkaproblema kami nung second set, siguro naging kumpyansa lang kami sa ginagawa namin. Kasama sa nangyari sa amin sa ganong sitwasyon na maging matibay kami," said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

The Soaring Falcons fought back from 21-17 down with Marc Paulino, Francis Casas, and John Gay taking charge to snatch the second stanza, 27-25.

However, Almendras and Disquitado connived in the third frame to give the Bulldogs back the advantage, 25-21, before having their way completely in the fourth.

Adamson dropped down to 1-2.

"Unti-unti pong nagaadjust yung team namin from talo namin sa UST. Binubuo po ulit namin yung team namin kasi masyado po kaming relax eh, hindi po kami nagtatrabaho nang maayos lahat," said Joshua Retamar, who tossed 31 excellent sets to go with two blocks.

Gay paced the Soaring Falcons with 13 points while Paulino poured in 12 points.

NU looks to continue its winning ways come Saturday when it battles winless University of the Philippines at 10 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while Adamson aims to bounce back on Sunday against University of the East.