Brian Bagunas and Kim Malabunga of the Philippines at Philsports Arena in Pasig .
INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines steamrolled past Vietnam, 25-20, 25-21, 25-12, to reach the semifinals of men’s volleyball in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.
Bryan Bagunas led the Philippines’ offense with 22 points while Marck Espejo added 13.
The Nationals brought the fire with them, outscoring the Vietnamese, 46-33, in spikes and 5-0 in service aces against the 2017 bronze medalists.
They also put up a near-impenetrable defense, tallying an 11-1 advantage in blocks.
The Philippines will take on Indonesia on Friday to determine the best team in Pool B.
Captain Johnvic De Guzman and middle blockers Kim Malabunga and Francis Saura had seven points apiece to help the Philippines’ offense.
Thanh Thuan Tu led Vietnam, which is winless in two matches, with 15 points.