17 Blocks Power NU Past Alpha Insurance in Straight Sets
NU-Archipelago Builders overwhelmed Alpha Insurance at the net, completing a 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 sweep Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Bulldogs produced 17 blocks and improved to 2-0, joining three other unbeaten teams atop the Spikers’ Turf standings.
NU Joins Four-Way Tie After Sweeping Alpha
One Sports covered NU’s second consecutive victory in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference following Thursday’s sweep of Alpha Insurance. The Bulldogs improved to 2-0 alongside Criss Cross, FEU-DN Steel, and ClearSkiiin, creating a four-way tie among the unbeaten teams.
NU is using the Invitational Conference as competitive preparation before returning to collegiate action for its upcoming UAAP campaign. Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba described facing club-level opposition as an important experience for the Bulldogs’ collegiate roster.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Mukaba Values Club-Level Competition
Mukaba said the Invitational Conference gives NU opportunities to improve against experienced opposition before returning to collegiate competition.
“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 Bulldogs have opened that preparation with consecutive victories, including Thursday’s straight-set result against the previously unbeaten Protectors.
Mukaba Leads NU’s 17-Block Performance
Mukaba recorded seven of NU’s 17 blocks against Alpha Insurance while finishing the straight-set victory with eight total points. His latest performance followed an eight-block effort during NU’s four-set opening victory over VNS-Laticrete earlier in the conference.
Those performances have given Mukaba 15 blocks through his first two matches of the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. NU’s 17-block total against Alpha also became the defining statistical feature of its second consecutive victory this tournament.
Middle Blocker Reaches 15 Blocks Through Two Matches
Mukaba followed his eight-block performance against VNS-Laticrete by recording seven more rejections during Thursday’s sweep of Alpha Insurance. The 23-year-old middle blocker has accumulated 15 blocks through two matches while helping NU begin the conference undefeated.
NU Rallies From 21-19 Deficit in Third Set
NU controlled the opening two sets by identical 25-20 scores before Alpha produced its strongest challenge during the third frame. The Protectors moved ahead 21-19 behind Reymark Betco, creating an opportunity to extend the match beyond three sets.
NU responded with three consecutive points, turning its two-point deficit into a 22-21 advantage during the decisive closing stretch. Mukaba later explained that the Bulldogs adjusted their approach after Betco began finding attacking success against their defensive setup.
Mukaba Explains Adjustment Against Betco
Mukaba credited NU’s adjustments after Betco threatened the Bulldogs during Alpha’s strongest stretch of the third set.
“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.
Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado contributed during NU’s response before the Bulldogs eventually completed the 25-23 third-set victory.
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Ordiales Leads Three Double-Digit NU Scorers
Leo Ordiales paced NU with 15 points from 11 attacks, two service aces, and two blocks against Alpha Insurance. Buddin contributed 13 points and nine excellent receptions, while Disquitado added 10 points and seven excellent digs Thursday.
Setter Greg Ancheta recorded 14 excellent sets and two points, while Jimwell Gapultos added nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs. NU completed the straight-set victory in one hour and 18 minutes after Disquitado blocked Betco on the final match point.
Disquitado Seals Sweep With Match-Ending Block
Disquitado rejected Betco on match point, securing NU’s 25-23 third-set victory and completing the Bulldogs’ second consecutive conference win. His 10 points and seven excellent digs complemented Ordiales and Buddin as NU placed three scorers in double figures.
NU Faces Unbeaten FEU After Improving to 2-0
NU returns Sunday against FEU-DN Steel, with both collegiate teams carrying undefeated 2-0 records into their Invitational Conference matchup. Their meeting will involve two members of the four-way tie currently occupying the top positions in the early standings.
Alpha Insurance dropped to 1-1 after previously opening its campaign with a five-set victory against Savouge. Betco led the Protectors with 13 points, while Vince Himzon added seven and Axel Van Book finished with six.
Alpha Faces Criss Cross After First Conference Defeat
Alpha will attempt to rebound Sunday against defending champion Criss Cross after suffering its first Invitational Conference defeat against NU. The Protectors enter that matchup at 1-1, while NU carries its unbeaten record into another meeting against FEU-DN Steel.
Analytical Breakdown: Strong Blocking Gives NU an Advantage
NU’s 17 blocks demonstrate disciplined net defense that forces opposing attackers to reconsider angles before committing to aggressive swings. Mukaba becomes especially disruptive when NU’s wing blockers close effectively, allowing floor defenders to anticipate the remaining attacking lanes. Balanced scoring strengthens that defensive advantage because opponents cannot easily regain momentum by targeting one favorable matchup against NU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did NU beat Alpha Insurance?
NU swept Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, for its second consecutive Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference victory.
How many blocks did NU record?
The Bulldogs finished with 17 blocks against Alpha Insurance, including seven rejections from middle blocker Obed Mukaba.
How many blocks does Obed Mukaba have this season?
Mukaba has recorded 15 blocks through two matches after producing eight against VNS-Laticrete and seven against Alpha Insurance.
Who led NU in scoring against Alpha Insurance?
Leo Ordiales led NU with 15 points, while Buds Buddin added 13 and Jade Disquitado contributed 10.
Who will NU play next?
NU will face unbeaten UAAP rival FEU-DN Steel on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Spiker’s Turf’s Website.
