Obed Mukaba turned the Philsports Arena into his own backyard bash on Wednesday morning — and this time, it was University of the East that wasn’t on the guest list.
Hosting a literal block party at the net, the Congolese middle blocker fired up the National University Bulldogs with a game-high seven rejections to lead a commanding 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 sweep of the winless Red Warriors and clinched the second UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Final Four spot.
With the victory, NU also extended its winning streak to four games and secured its 10th consecutive semifinal appearance — a streak dating back to Season 75.
Mukaba’s most menacing sequence came in the third set when UE clawed to within three, 13-10.
But the 6-foot-5 middle rose to the occasion with two straight blocks followed by a thunderous quick kill, sparking a 3-0 surge that gave NU full control at 16-10.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Naging factor talaga yung blockings namin today,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. “We dictated the tempo, and we’re seeing our players return to the level of intensity and mindset that we’ve been aiming for.”
NU never looked back, closing the match with a flurry of power plays — back-to-back hits from Leo Ordiales, a smooth off-the-block kill by Jade Disquitado, then a gift of an attack error from UE’s Shan Camaymayan.
A final quick kill from none other than Mukaba capped the 74-minute romp.
The win also reaffirmed NU’s utter dominance over UE, marking the Bulldogs’ 23rd straight victory against the Red Warriors since 2011.
Michaelo Buddin paced the Bulldogs with 15 points off 13 attacks, while also chipping in on defense with seven excellent digs and nine receptions. Mukaba added 14 points overall — seven blocks, seven kills — and continued to be a towering presence in both offense and defense.
Ordiales added 12 points on 11 attacks, while skipper Leo Aringo contributed eight points, anchored the reception line with 17 excellent receptions, and had seven digs.
Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets and an ace.
Despite a shaky first set riddled with 11 errors, NU settled into its groove midway through the second, blowing open a tight 12-11 frame into a dominant 20-14 advantage and never looking back.
Now at 10-2, NU eyes a stronger hold on the twice-to-beat edge when it battles Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, April 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
As for UE, the rough road continues. The Red Warriors fell to 0-12 in Season 87 and have now lost 18 straight matches, dating back to last year’s second round.
Isiah Roca and Raquim Aceron carried the fight with 10 points apiece, but UE’s offense sputtered, especially with rookie Roy Piojo struggling on a 2-of-19 attacking clip.
The Red Warriors aim to halt their skid when they face the UST Golden Spikers on Saturday, April 12, also in Cubao.
