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Mukaba emerges as unlikely hero in Bulldogs’ series-extending win vs Tamaraws

Ralph Edwin Villanueva - Philstar.com
Mukaba emerges as unlikely hero in Bulldogs’ series-extending win vs Tamaraws
NU's Obed Mukaba (10) powers a kill over the defense of the FEU Tamaraws during their UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball finals matchup Wednesday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
(UAAP Media Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — With their backs against the wall in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball finals, National University found an unlikely spark from Obed Mukaba.

With the Bulldogs trailing 0-1 in their best-of-three series against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, the 6-foot-6 Mukaba poured in 20 points in Game 2 in NU’s tight five-set win, 25-20, 22-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-11 Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Congolese middle blocker punched in 14-of-21 attacks and had six blocks in the match.

Mukaba, after the must-win Game 2, said that he just tried to give his best as they faced a do-or-die situation.

“This game was very important for us because like you say, it's do or die. So, we just try to give our best so we can still have hope to play for the final Game 3,” Mukaba told reporters. 

“So, today we won so we're gonna work again… so we can get that five-peat,” he added.

Prior to his huge Game 2, Mukaba, who was previously the best middle blocker back in Season 85, only managed to score in double-digits in three previous contests this season.

“I'm very happy. I'm very happy for the win today because today we decided to play like a family, like a team. So it worked for us. So that's it. We'll back to training then work for the final Game 3.”

For his part, NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin lauded Mukaba for being patient on what he did on the court. 

“Hindi lang naman talaga more on scoring yung hinaanap ko sa kanya — yung blockage niya. Pati yung leadership niya kasi isa na siya sa mga leader talaga eh,” the veteran mentor said. 

“Siguro may chance talaga na... May mga game kami na hindi siya nag-lead dahil nga may mga struggle siya sa ginagawa niya. Pero sobrang thankful lang sa performance niya ngayon talaga yung hinabahan niya yung pasensya niya sa ginagawa niya sa loob ng court.” 

FEU and NU will have the winner-take-all Game 3 on Saturday, 2 p.m., still at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

NU BULLDOGS

UAAP

VOLLEYBALL

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