Alas Pilipinas men got swept by newly crowned Leg 1 champion Cambodia, 20-25, 21-25, 24-26, in the SEA V Cup Leg 2 on Thursday evening in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Filipinos, who pushed Cambodia to five sets in the first leg, tried to put up a fight in the third, looking to extend their rematch anew.
Alas Pilipinas got a much-needed spark from Jian Salarzon, who teamed up with steady middle blocker Joshua Magalaman to help build a 14-9 lead for the Philippines.
However, Veasna Voeurn, the first leg MVP in Candon City, willed the Cambodians back and erased a 21-19 deficit by scoring four of their next five points to reach match point, 24-23.
Jude Garcia saved Alas with a strong crosscourt hit, but Kuon Mom quickly answered to put Cambodia back on the verge of victory before Garcia’s attack sailed wide.
Garcia and Magalaman led Alas with 14 points each, as Salarzon stepped up with eight points.
Alas will try to keep its slim semifinal hopes alive against host Indonesia, last year’s Leg 2 champion, on Friday at 8 p.m.
Cambodia ruled the first leg by beating Indonesia in Candon City but was swept by the Indonesians in its Leg 2 opener on Wednesday, finishing the pool stage with a 1-1 record.
Voeurn erupted with 27 points off 24 kills and three aces. Sarun had 15, while Mom added eight.
The Filipinos also led 14-10 in the second set after Adrian Villados delivered back-to-back aces. Salarzon and Magalaman helped maintain the lead until 16-13 before Voeurn and Pin Sarun sparked Cambodia’s rally for a 23-20 advantage en route to a two-set lead.