Alas Pilipinas Men may be semifinals-bound, but a tough test awaits the Philippines against regional powerhouse Indonesia to close preliminary play of SEA Games 2025 men's volleyball.
Team captain Bryan Bagunas and the Alas Pilipinas Men are aiming for an upset against three-time defending champion Indonesia in their Group B showdown of the SEA Games 2025 on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.
Match time is at 1:30 p.m., with the game also available on the Pilipinas Live app.
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Alas Men had already secured a semifinal spot after the Indonesians scored a 25–15, 25–22, 25–19 sweep of their Burmese counterparts on Monday, December 15.
While both teams are guaranteed to advance, Tuesday’s match will determine the Group B top seed.
The outcome will also shape the Philippines’ path in the knockout rounds, with the winner set to face Group A’s second-placed team and the loser taking on the top seed.
Alas Men hope to carry momentum from their 25-23, 25-20, 25-21 victory over Myanmar in their tournament opener.
[ALSO READ: Bryan Bagunas credits Al-Bukharie Sali for sparking Alas Men's perfect SEA Games 2025 start]
Bagunas led the charge with 18 points—16 attacks, one ace, and one block—helping Alas overcome a shaky start.
Stopping Indonesia, however, will be no easy task.
The regional powerhouse holds the most indoor volleyball gold medals in SEA Games history with 12 and swept the Philippines via 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 decision in their last SEA Games meeting in 2023 in Cambodia en route to a three-peat.
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]