Jaja Santiago drops 21 in Saitama win against NEC; Bagunas, Espejo extend losing skids

Jaja Santiago and the Saitama Ageo Medics bounced back on Sunday by defeating the NEC Red Rockets, 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 25-17, in the Japan V.League.

Santiago posted 21 points on 16 attacks and five blocks as the Ageo Medics improved to 16-10. Lorenne Teixeira added 16 attacks, two blocks, and an ace for Saitama, which lost in four sets to the Hisamitsu Springs on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sarina Koga led the Red Rockets with 14 points.

In the men's games, the squads of Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo absorbed losses on Sunday as well.

Bagunas and his Oita Miyoshi squad were swept by JT Thunders Hiroshima, 25-22, 25-23, 25-21. The Filipino standout had 16 points in Oita's eighth consecutive loss.

On the other hand, Espejo saw limited minutes in FC Tokyo's 17-25, 29-27, 25-20, 29-27 against the Toray Arrows. Espejo only played in the fourth set of their third straight loss.

The three Filipinos will be back for V.League action on March 19.

—JMB, GMA News