PHILIPPINES recorded its first-ever Asian Games victory in men’s volleyball after 49 years at the expense of Afghanistan, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12, in Hangzhou, China on Wednesday.
Bryan Bagunas tallied 16 points on 14 attacks, one block, and one ace as the nationals improved to 1-1 (win-loss) while keeping the Afghans winless in two games.
The Filipino spikers will take on Japan in its group stage finale on Thursday (7 p.m. local time), needing a win to secure a spot in the next round of play.
The Afghans saved two set points in the opening frame before Bagunas slammed the door and led the team to two lopsided sets to seal the win.
Steven Rotter (13 attacks), Jau Umandal (seven points and 11 receptions), and Lloyd Josafat (eight points on a game-high five blocks, two attacks, and one ace) backed up Bagunas.
Marck Espejo, fielded sparingly as a second stringer in two games, pitched in three points.
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