PSL: Gilligan’s escapes PLDT in 5-set thriller

MANILA, Philippines — The Gilligan’s Sisig Kings proved that their first win over the Maybank Tigers in the Philippine Super Liga men’s division was no fluke as they scraped past favorites PLDT myDSL Speed Boosters in a thrilling match that went the distance—28-26, 20-25, 21-25, 25-19, and 15-8—on Friday, November 16 at the Arena in San Juan.

Building up some team character, the Sisig Kings came together again in the deep waters of the opening set to get an early 1-0 lead. But they blew the next 2 sets and found themselves backed up against the wall.

PLDT tried to finish Gilligan’s off in the fourth set, carving some space between them at several junctures. But Gilligan’s kept catching up as they knotted the score at 14 for the last time and eventually took the lead for good on their way to forcing a deciding fifth set.

This time, it was a different face that stepped up for Gilligan’s.

John Depante scored on the defensive end at crucial points of the short fifth set, including a couple of blocks that created a cushion for Gilligan’s, 8-4. Depante was eventually named Player of the Game for his 19 points, as they get ahead over the 3 other teams in the men’s division with a 2-0 slate. – Rappler.com