By Adrian Stewart Co

After their shocking upset win over defending Southeast Asian Games champions Thailand last Sunday, the Philippine men’s volleyball team is set to face Indonesia in the gold medal match tonight at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
In their 17-25, 25-20, 23-25, 27-25, 17-15 win over the weekend, Bryan Bagunas tallied 27 points built on 23 attacks, two aces, and two blocks for the Philippines; while Marck Espejo chipped in a double-double on 20 points and 12 excellent receptions; and Kim Malabunga contributed 16 markers.
“Sobrang saya; sobrang di ko maipaliwanag yung nararamdaman ko ngayon kasi nakuha namin yung panalo (So happy; I really cannot believe my feelings right now because we captured the win),” said Philippines head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Sure silver na kami (We’re sure to win at least a silver).”
On the brink of elimination and facing a 24-21 deficit late in the fourth set, the Philippines rallied behind Bagunas and Malabunga to force a tie before the former sent the match to a decider with a huge attack point.
In the fifth set, Espejo and Malabunga took turns in offense to give the home team an 8-6 advantage but Thailand went on to snatch a 10-9 lead. Bagunas then fired off the equalizer and forced several deadlocks before Thailand reached match point at 14-13.
In their final push, Malabunga and Bagunas linked up to give the Philippines a 16-15 edge before the latter fired the game-winner to complete the upset./ASC, WDJ