Filipino spikers bow to Japan for 1-2 slate in Asiad group stage

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine men’s volleyball team collapsed late and dropped a three-setter against Japan, 25-19, 25-14, 25-23, Thursday night in Hangzhou, China.

The Philippines looked prime to take a set against the heavy favorites Japan after taking a 9-4 lead in the third set.

But Japan stormed back and tied the game at 16-all after an attack by Hirohito Kashimura.

The Filipinos took a one-point lead, 22-21, after a point by Bryan Bagunas.

But Japan ended the game with a 4-1 run punctuated by a point from Yudai Arai.

With the loss, the Philippines ended its stint in the 2022 Asian Games with a 1-2 win-loss slate in the group stage.

They earlier won over Afghanistan on Wednesday and lost to Indonesia.

Steven Rotter led the Philippines with 13 points. He was followed by Bagunas with 10.

Akito Yamazaki paced Japan with 11 points.