By: Ohmer Bautista
Entering the semifinals in high spirits after sweeping the quarterfinals, Bryan Bagunas and the Philippine Air Force Jet Spikers dismantled the second-seeded Vice Co. Blockbusters, 27-25, 17-25, 25-19, 25-21, in the Premier Volleyball League Men’s Reinforced Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
Shackled at a set apiece, the Jet Spikers broke out of the deadlock behind their floor defense and the exploits of Bryan Bagunas and Fauzi Ismail, lifting Air Force to a two sets to none advantage.
Riding their momentum into the ensuing set, Air Force zoomed to a five point cushion, 18-13. However, the Blockbusters willed their way back with a 7-2 rally, capped by a Jude Garcia block over Bagunas, to knot things up, 20-all.
But a 5-1 flurry, sealed by an Ismail block over Berlin Paglinawan, finished the game for good.
NU standout Bagunas exploded for 30 points, to no surpise for Air Force head coach Rhovyl Verayo.
“Bryan Bagunas parang [Marck] Espejo rin ‘yan eh,” he shared. “Kapag kailangan mo ng puntos, alam mo na kung sino bibigyan. Isa siya sa mga inaasahan sa team.”
Jeffrey Malabanan and Ismail added 18 and 14 respectively.
John Paul Bugaoan paced Blockbusters with 17 markers in a losing effort. Garcia added 10 points.
“Hindi kami magkukumpiyansa,” coach Verayo declared. “We’re going to prepare for the second game.”
Air Force will look to close out the series next game on Wednesday, July 4.
The Scores:
Air Force (3) – Bagunas 30, Malabanan 18, Ismail 14, Abdilla 12, Fuentes 9, Tolentino 1, Inaudito 0, Lopez 0, Deocampo 0, Marcos (L), Mangaring (L).
Vice Co. (1) – Bugaoan 17, Garcia 10, Paler 8, Solis 7, Quiel 7, Pangilanawan 3, Malabunga 2, Suarez 1, Pablico 1, Silang 0, Ramos 0, Marmeto (L), Kalingking (L).
