Alas in must-win match vs Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas is facing the prospect a worst finish in the history of the Men’s SEA V Cup as it tangles with three-time champion Indonesia today.

The Nationals have no other option but to win. And they’re determined to do just that in their 5:30 p.m. clash with the Indonesians at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

The host team dug itself a grave after falling to a much-improved Cambodia, the 2021 and 2023 Southeast Asian Games bronze and silver medal winner, in a heartbreaking 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 defeat Wednesday night.

Regardless of the result of the Cambodia-Indonesia duel last night, Alas would have no choice but to get a win to secure its tradition of making the next round. They did in the previous editions of the annual meet.

If it happens, Alas gets a chance at a third medal after a couple of bronzes.

But that’s easier said than done as the Nationals are missing three key members of the historic World Championship campaign in Manila last year—Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales.

Meanwhile, Thailand flattened Myanmar, 25-15, 25-16, 25-19, to sweep two outings in Pool B for a seat in the semis.