Alas slips to 0-2 hole after loss to China

NAGOYA, Japan—Alas Pilipinas Men bowed out of medal contention in the 20th Asian Games after absorbing their second loss in Pool D to China, 21-25, 20-25, 22-25, on Monday at Park Arena Komaki.

Philippines team captain Bryan Bagunas led the way with 15 points on 12 attacks and two aces, amid their challenges off the court.

Alas slid to a 0-2 win-loss record, including a straight-set loss to South Korea.

“Sobrang dami talagang errors namin ’yun sa game,” said Bagunas. “Siguro kung mabawasan lang talaga, kaya naman. Kaya naman manalo.”

Leo Ordiales chipped in 11 points, while Peng Taguibolos added nine for Alas.

Down 17-24, in the first set, Bagunas fired three consecutie aces for a 4-0 run only for him to miss his back row attack.

Alas trimmed China’s lead, 17-18, after a Lirick Mendoza attack, but Alas committed costly miscues.

Alas, which was relegated to the classification round, will wrap up its pool stage eyeing a breakthrough win against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday.

“Sa akin, siyempre, itong Asian Games siguro gagawin namin as experience,” said Bagunas.

"’Di man kami manalo, pero may natutunan kami. Siguro sa mga susunod na tournament pa mas pagbubutihan namin kung ano ‘yung kulang para sa team.”

Wen Zihua finished with 10 points for China, while Li Yongzhen and Wang Bin added eight each for China.