Rebisco was knocked out of playoff contention by Al Arabi Sports Club of Qatar, 19-25, 15-25, 19-25, in the 2021 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship at Terminal 21 Hall in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Sunday.
Felipe Bandero was unstoppable for Al Arabi with his attacks and services, nailing 21 points founded on 12 attacks, six aces, and three block kills.
Renan Ribeiro added nine points while captain Jumah Faraj, John Chigbo, and Ibrahim Ibrahim copped seven points apiece.
The victors did not even field Konstantin Cupkovic, their top scorer in yesterday’s win against Diamond Food of Thailand with 24.
Jao Umandal paced Rebisco anew with 17 points but help was nowhere to be found as last game’s double-digit scorer Nico Almendras was not fielded in. JP Bugaoan was the next highest pointer with seven.
Al Arabi raced to an 11-3 third frame start and just answered every run the Philippine club came up with, 25-19.
With the Filipinos ahead by a point, the Qatari club just erupted with a 17-6 closing blast to nab the second salvo, 25-15.
Al Arabi dominated the blocking department in the first set, 5-1, while tallying three service aces to take the early lead, 25-19.
The Philippine squad will close the elimination round tomorrow against Diamond Food, 4:30 pm.
