Go for Gold sweeps Basilan, punches ticket to PNVF Champions League semis
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The Go for Gold-Air Force Aguilas averted a meltdown late in the third set to eke out a 25-15, 28-26, 25-20 victory over the debuting Basilan Steel Spikers in the PNVF Champions League on Tuesday.
John Vic De Guzman led the charge for the Aguilas, carving out 17 points off 14 attacks and three service aces while Mark Alfafara added 13 markers.
After erecting a 2-0 set lead over the Steel Spikers, the Aguilas got off to a blazing start in the third frame with national team mainstays Francis Saura, Kim Malabunga, and Alfafara helping them build an 11-6 cushion.
That lead stretched to as big as eight after an emphatic open attack from former UST standout Alfafara, 19-11.
A service error from the side of Basilan then gave Go for Gold its first match point before a drop ball from Mohammad Sulayman saved one for the Steel Spikers, 20-24.
De Guzman, the national team captain, hammered one through the blockers to seal the deal for the Aguilas, 25-20.
With the win, the Aguilas are now virtually qualified for the semifinal round as the top two teams from each of the two pools will advance to the playoff stage.
Go for Gold is currently leading Pool A with an unscathed 2-0 win-loss card.
Basilan (0-1), on the other hand, will still play the Manileño Spikers on Wednesday to determine the semifinal cast.
—JMB, GMA News