Mukaba Leads NU Bulldogs Into Four-Way Tie for First in Spikers’ Turf

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Obed Mukaba is turning the Spikers’ Turf into his personal proving ground. The National University middle blocker anchored a smothering net defense as the Bulldogs joined a four-way tie for first place, all at 2-0.

NU-Archipelago Builders swept Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Criss Cross, Far Eastern University-DN Steel and ClearSkiiin share the top spot.

Obed Mukaba recorded seven blocks and eight points as the National University Bulldogs swept Alpha Insurance in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. [PVL Images]

Mukaba Anchors NU’s Block-Heavy Win Over Alpha Insurance

Mukaba, 23, put up seven of NU’s 17 blocks and finished with eight points. The Congolese middle blocker was coming off an eight-block outing in the Bulldogs’ four-set win over VNS-Laticrete in their season debut.

Alpha Insurance led 21-19 in the third set. Buds Buddin’s cross-court hit and Jade Disquitado’s block on Reymark Betco then sparked a 3-0 run that put NU ahead, 22-21.

Betco committed two costly service errors down the stretch for the Protectors. Disquitado then sealed the sweep with a match-clinching block on Alpha Insurance’s top scorer.

Mukaba said NU adjusted in the third set to slow down Betco, whom he described as “on fire.” Those adjustments, he said, produced two or three key blocks. He also called the tournament good preparation for the UAAP.

NU Faces FEU-DN Steel in Spikers’ Turf With Top Spot at Stake

Leo Ordiales led NU with 15 points on 11 attacks, two aces and two blocks. Buddin added 13 points and nine excellent receptions, while Disquitado had 10 points and seven excellent digs.

Greg Ancheta ran the offense with 14 excellent sets and two points. Jimwell Gapultos chipped in nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs in the one-hour, 18-minute match.

NU faces UAAP rival Far Eastern University-DN Steel on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. One of the two unbeaten teams will take its first loss, breaking up the four-way tie.

Alpha Insurance slipped to 1-1 after its five-set win over Savouge. Betco scored 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks, Vince Himzon added seven, and Axel Van Book had six.

The Protectors will try to bounce back against defending champion Criss Cross on Sunday at 5 p.m. Criss Cross is also unbeaten at 2-0.