Alas Pilipinas men lost steam down the stretch to bow to powerhouse Thailand in straight sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-19, and remain winless in the second leg of the 2024 SEA V.League on Saturday, August 24, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

The Filipinos thus dropped to a 0-2 slate while the Thais improved to 2-0 and are now a win away from sealing back-to-back titles after having ruled the opening leg in Manila.

Still missing the services of team captain Bryan Bagunas, a number of Alas members stepped up with first leg best outside spiker Michaelo Buddin and his National University teammate Jade Disquitado conniving in the third frame to stay close with Thailand, 15-17.

But the Thais, who swept their way to the gold medal in the opening leg, unleashed a crucial 5-0 barrage behind the strong services of Napadet Bhinijdee as they established a 22-15 cushion.

Filipino middle blocker Lloyd Josafat tried to rally the Philippines back, unloading a quick attack for a 17-23 deficit. But Nepadat finished it off with a backrow kill as the Thais cruised to yet another sweep victory.

Alas will look to score their breakthrough second leg win when they go up against Vietnam, which they also defeated in the first leg. (GMA Integrated News)