Alas men yield to Indonesia, crash out of SEA V Cup

MANILA, Philippines -- Alas Pilipinas blew a six-point lead in the third set and lost to three-time champion Indonesia, 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, on Friday to kiss the former’s medal chances goodbye in the men’s SEA V Cup at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

Dropping the first two sets but leading 15-9 in the third on a powerful attacking game, the Filipinos’ offense suddenly turned stale and just completely blew their advantage that allowed the Indonesians a two-match sweep of Pool A and surge into the semifinals.

It sent the Nationals, in contrast, to their second straight defeat and to their worst finish in this annual meet.

The Philippines had two bronzes and four fourth-place efforts here.

The World Championship veterans’ descent was caused mainly by the absence of their three stars— Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales.

Cambodia, which finished with a 1-1 slate, zoomed to the semis along with Indonesia (2-0), and Pool B’s Thailand (2-0) and Vietnam (1-1).