Alpha Insurance leaned on sheer heart and a breakout hero as Don Nadera delivered a scintillating 23-point performance, capped by two massive off-the-block kills to seal a thrilling 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22, 18-16 comeback win over FEU-DN Steel in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference in San Juan.

Nadera, coming off limited runs in previous matches, became the clutch spark the Protectors desperately needed as they clawed back from multiple match deficits and refused to break under pressure.

Head coach Mike Santos turned to Nadera in the second set with spark plug JJ Javelona unavailable, and the outside hitter answered, swinging momentum and firing up the Protectors’ defense and resolve.

Nadera shines as Alpha Insurance survives pressure-packed finish

Set five turned into a battle of nerves, with FEU saving match points and pushing Alpha Insurance to the brink before Nadera rose above the block twice to end the one-hour, 11-minute duel against his alma mater.

“Every game, trabaho lang kami. We always go hard,” Nadera said, crediting grit and belief for the win that lifted the squad to a 2-1 record and solid semifinal contention.

Santos praised the group’s heart, noting their bounce-back composure after a tight loss to Cignal. The bench mentor stressed the win validates the team’s system and effort.

Alpha Insurance gains momentum with renewed confidence

Rocky Motol led FEU with 20 points while Barbie San Andres added 16 in the loss that dropped the Tamaraws to 1-2. Alpha Insurance, already matching its debut conference win total in just three games, eyes a second straight victory against UST-Gameville next at Paco Arena.

With belief surging and Nadera stepping up in a defining moment, the Protectors look primed to push deeper into the tournament with confidence and hunger.