In a thrilling display of resilience, Obed Mukaba delivered a standout performance that propelled National University to a heart-stopping Game 2 victory, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament Finals.
The Congolese middle blocker’s pivotal role not only kept the Bulldogs’ ‘Drive for Five’ alive, but also showcased his immense value beyond the scoreboard.
Backing up Michaelo Buddin’s breakout performance of 20 points and 11 excellent receptions, Mukaba also tallied 20 points — including 14 points and a game-high six excellent blocks — to keep the Bulldogs’ title hopes burning.
Beyond his season-high outing, NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin praised Mukaba’s leadership and patience as the team rallied from a three-point deficit in the decisive fifth set to seal the come-from-behind triumph.
Down 5-8 in the fifth frame, Mukaba’s leadership was evident, even when he was on the bench, as the Bulldogs mounted a 10-3 rally to force a Game 3 and keep NU’s hopes of completing the first ‘five-peat’ in the Final Four era alive.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sa akin, hindi lang naman talaga more on scoring ang hinahanap ko sa kanya or yung blockings niya, pati yung leadership niya. Isa na kasi siya sa mga leader talaga,” Alinsunurin said.
“Siguro may mga chance na may mga game na hindi siya nagli-lead dahil may mga struggles siya sa ginagawa niya, pero sobrang thankful ako sa performance niya ngayon. Talagang hinabaan niya yung pasensya niya sa loob ng court,” he added.
While Mukaba was the standout in the Bulldogs’ Game 2 victory, the 22-year-old middle blocker quickly deflected the credit to his teammates. He emphasized that the win was a collective effort, with every player pouring their heart into the game to keep their Season 87 title hopes alive.
That sense of brotherhood was evident, with Buddin and Mukaba receiving ample support from Leo Ordiales’ 13-point outing, team captain Leo Aringo’s 10-point performance, and the timely contributions of Greg Ancheta (21 excellent sets) and Jimwell Gapultos (13 excellent receptions).
“I’m just very happy, very happy for the win today. Today, we decided to play like a family at the game, and we poured our hearts into this win. After this win, we go back into training and prepare for Game 3,” Mukaba shared.
NU will celebrate the victory in the short term, but Mukaba reminded the Bulldogs that tomorrow will bring new challenges. The six-time UAAP champions must continue to pour their heart and soul into their training sessions to fully prepare for Game 3, set for Saturday at the same Pasay venue.
NU will need to lay everything on the line, not only to claim their fifth consecutive UAAP title but also to deny FEU their first men’s volleyball championship since Season 74 in 2012.
“This game was very important for us because, like you said, it was a do-or-die. We just try to give our best in the game, and so we can still have hope to play for. Today we win, but tomorrow we work again. We need all the force we need to take the five-peat,” he concluded.
#WATCH: Coach Dante Alinsunurin praises Obed Mukaba and Buds Buddin for stepping up when NU needed them the most 🐶
It’s GAME 3🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/I8TYg7lPvB
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 14, 2025
