Mega Builders force rubber match for PVL men’s crown

Mega Builders snatched a five-set win over Cignal, 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 15-13, to set up a do-or-die in the championship series of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference men’s division Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Volley Bolt tied the series at 1-1 with Ismail Fauzi firing a game-high 24 points in the victory.

Mega Builders head coach Dong Dela Cruz said the fifth set all boiled down to whoever executed its plays better, rather than who has the better players.

“When you get to the fifth set it won’t matter who are the better players,” said Dela Cruz. “The team who plays better will take the win.”

Madzlan Gampong and James Natividad provided ample support for Fauzi as they put up 17 points apiece while Kim Malabunga played fourth option as he finished with 10.

Lorenzo Capate led the HD Spikers with 23 points.

In the bronze medal series, Sta. Elena forced a third match against Philippine Air Force coming away with a five-set win, 27-25, 22-25, 18-25, 25-19, 16-14.

Joven Camaganakan had 22 points to lead the Wrecking Balls while skipper Berlin Paglinawan added 19.

Jeffrey Malabanan had a game-high 26 points to lead the Jet Spikers.