The 23-year-old did not disappoint his squad after coming off the bench to score 19 points on 18 attacks and a kill block, tying the knot 1-1 in the second set. 

Despite the double-digits output, the team fell short in the last two sets of the match which handed the opposing team the victory.

The former Ateneo star showed gratitude to the fans who stayed late to watch the game since the match streamed at 12:30 am, Monday (Philippine time).

Also, Espejo vowed to his fans to bounce back. 

“Maraming salamat sa puyat at suporta. Bawi next game,” posted Espejo on Twitter.

Espejo arrived in Bahrain last Friday, November 6 to become the first Filipino import to play for the league.

This is the five-time UAAP MVP’s third overseas stint. He previously played for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in Japan in May 2018 and Visakha in the Thailand Volleyball League in December 2019.

Espejo was a vital clog in the Philippines’ historic podium finish last 30th Southeast Asian Games (Sea Games) hosted by the country last year.

Bani Jamra will next face the defending champs, Al Muharraq, which won the opener in four sets over Busaiteen, on Sunday next week.