Obed Mukaba anchored National University-Archipelago Builders’ imposing presence at the net, leading the Bulldogs’ 17-block effort with seven rejections in a straight-sets victory over Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The 23-year-old Congolese middle blocker finished with eight points as NU joined Criss Cross, Far Eastern University-DN Steel, and ClearSkiiin in a four-way tie for first place, all carrying identical 2-0 records.
Mukaba continued his impressive form after delivering an eight-block performance in the Bulldogs’ 25-14, 25-13, 20-25, 25-12 debut win over VNS-Laticrete last Tuesday.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Of course, it’s a good experience because we are a collegiate team,” said Mukaba. “And facing those kinds of players, because they are also a good team, will help us improve. I think this competition is a good preparation for us for the UAAP.”
The Protectors threatened to extend the match to a fourth set after taking a 21-19 lead in the third frame. However, Buds Buddin’s cross-court hit and Jade Disquitado’s block on Reymark Betco sparked a 3-0 run that gave NU a 22-21 advantage.
Alpha Insurance fought back, but the Protectors faltered in the closing stretch as Betco committed two costly service errors. Disquitado then sealed NU’s straight-sets victory with a match-clinching block on Betco.
“Of course, in the third set, I think we tried to adjust with our subs. The opposite, si Betco, I think, he was on fire. The coach has to adjust to him. That’s why we [had] two or three blocks. That’s why,” Mukaba said.
Leo Ordiales paced the Bulldogs with 15 points on 11 attacks, two aces, and two blocks, while Buddin chipped in 13 points and nine excellent receptions. Disquitado added 10 markers and seven excellent digs.
Setter Greg Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets and two points, while Jimwell Gapultos collected nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs in the one-hour, 18-minute victory.
NU will look to strengthen its hold on a share of first place when it faces UAAP rival FEU-DN Steel in the rematch of the V-League Finals on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Alpha Insurance, meanwhile, slipped to 1-1 after its impressive five-set victory over Savouge.
Betco led the Protectors with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, while Vince Himzon contributed seven markers and Axel Van Book was limited to six.
Alpha Insurance will try to bounce back against defending champion Criss Cross on Sunday at 5 p.m.
