Creamline escapes Petro Gazz, forces rubbermatch

Creamline eked out an 18-25, 25-16, 25-18, 23-25, 15-6 win against Petro Gazz to force a do-or-die Game Three in the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Cool Smashers and the Angels will both look to cop the title on Thursday as they clash for one last time this conference.

After an exchange of points in the tight fourth set, an ace from Tots Carlos put Creamline up by two, 16-14, as Petro Gazz continued to rally in a bid to send the game to a fifth set.

That was exactly what transpired as Angels dragged the defending champions to a decider after Michele Gumabao went wide at the service line, 25-23, to close out the penultimate frame.

Jema Galanza then opened the fifth with back-to-back attacks before Tots Carlos' two consecutive hammers put Creamline up by four, 6-2.

Gumabao and Jeanette Panaga connived for a 4-0 rampage to help Cool Smashers build a 10-2 cushion.

Ced Domingo's three straight points put the finishing kick for Creamline as they forced a winner-take-all Game Three.

Gumabao led Creamline with 21 points alongside 14 digs while Carlos dropped 20 markers laced with 22 receptions.

Galanza finished with 17 points while Domingo registered 14.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News