National University-Archipelago Builders joined the logjam at the top of the standings after sweeping Alpha Insurance, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Thursday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Obed Mukaba continued to dominate at the net, accounting for seven of the Bulldogs’ 17 blocks to finish with eight points as NU joined Criss Cross, Far Eastern University-DN Steel, and ClearSkiiin in a four-way tie for first place, with all four teams sporting identical 2-0 records.
The 23-year-old Congolese middle blocker was coming off an eight-block performance in the Bulldogs’ 25-14, 25-13, 20-25, 25-12 victory over VNS-Laticrete in their season debut last Tuesday.
“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, but Buds Buddin’s cross-court hit and Jade Disquitado’s block on Reymark Betco sparked a 3-0 run that put NU ahead, 22-21.
Alpha Insurance tried to mount another comeback, but the Protectors faltered in the closing stretch as Betco committed two costly service errors at crucial junctures. Disquitado then sealed NU’s straight-set 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.
Greg Ancheta orchestrated NU’s offense with 14 excellent sets and two points, while Jimwell Gapultos contributed nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs in the one-hour, 18-minute victory.
NU will look to break away from the four-way tie at the top when it faces UAAP rival Far Eastern University-DN Steel on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Alpha Insurance, meanwhile, slipped to 1-1 after its impressive five-set victory over Savouge in its previous outing.
Betco was the lone double-digit scorer for the Protectors with 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks. Vince Himzon added seven markers, while Axel Van Book was limited to six points.
Alpha Insurance will try to bounce back against defending champion Criss Cross on Sunday at 5 p.m.
