Alas Pilipinas men’s team vented its ire on Uzbekistan, 25-19, 25-15, 23-25, 25-17, to bag its first win in the Asian Games men’s volleyball on Friday at Park Arena Komaki.
Team captain Bryan Bagunas erupted for 26 points, helping Alas Pilipinas snap their four-game skid in the tournament to advance to the 13th-place match against Kyrgyzstan on Saturday afternoon.
Bagunas returned to full action after playing sparingly in their 23-25, 26-24, 22-25, 21-25 loss to Indonesia less than 24 hours ago.
Amid struggles over lack of support, Alas Pilipinas aims to end its second straight Asian Games campaign in high spirits after losing to South Korea, China, and Chinese Taipei in the pool stage.
Bagunas was backstopped by Joshua Magalaman, who scattered six blocks, six kils, and an ace for 13 points. Peng Taguibolos also stepped up with 11 points, with Owa Retamar running the plays.
Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales sat out the game, but Lirick Mendoza and Buds Buddin stepped up with eight and seven points, respectively.
Murobidinov Saidjamol and Haydarov Ogabek led the Uzbeks with 14 points each. Sobirov Islomjon added 12.
Alas was able to control its errors with just 19, while Uzbekistan gave up 29 points off miscues.