Stung by its Final Four setback, Criss Cross returned with a vengeance – unleashing superior firepower and steely resolve to drub Savouge, 25-20, 26-28, 25-18, 25-20, and edge closer to the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference championship at the FilOil Centre on Wednesday.
Jude Garcia led the assault with 26 points, including 23 attacks and three kill blocks, while Jaron Requinton and Noel Kampton backed him up with 18 and 12 points, respectively, as the King Crunchers reasserted their dominance at the most crucial time. Their balanced attack and depth ultimately proved decisive, allowing them to dictate the tempo and withstand every challenge thrown their way.
Adrian Villados, meanwhile, orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 29 excellent sets and adding two points, keeping the King Crunchers in perfect rhythm from start to finish despite missing starting outside hitter Alche Gupiteo, who was sidelined with a minor shoulder injury.
Kampton also shone with 18 excellent receptions in the victory that pulled the King Crunchers closer to their first championship in the Open Conference in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and backed by Alpha insurance, ArenaPlus, Black Mamba, and Premiere EMS.
“Sobrang saya ko sa ginawa ng team namin, actually full team work talaga siya kasi kahit ‘yung mga nasa bench full support sila sa amin sa court (I’m very happy with what our team did. It was truly a complete team effort because even those on the bench gave us their full support on the court),” said Requinton, who started in place of Gupiteo and bagged the Best Player of the Game honors.
But the victory was far from routine.
The Spin Doctors refused to back down, showcasing poise and persistence – most evident in a fiercely contested second set. Controlling the pace for most of the frame, Savouge built a 17-14 lead before weathering a Criss Cross rally that forced a 24-all count.
In a test of nerves, the Spin Doctors stood their ground and snatched the set behind a clutch hit from Calado and a thunderous block by Shawie Caritativo on Garcia.
It was a statement.
Yet Criss Cross answered like champions. Leaning on their offensive depth and composure, the King Crunchers dominated the pivotal third set and broke the game wide open in the fourth after the second technical timeout, as Garcia and Lloyd Josafat came up with back-to-back emphatic blocks on Louie Ramirez and JP Bugaoan to cap a 16-10 surge.
They never looked back.
Criss Cross also leaned on its vaunted blocking to dominate at the net, finishing with 16 kill blocks while also capitalizing on 26 errors from the opposing side to maintain firm control of the match.
Calado topscored for Savouged with 23 points on 22 attacks and one kill block, while Bugaoan added 10 points on seven attacks and three blocks, and Giles Torres and Louie Ramirez chipped in seven points apiece. Caritativo, meanwhile, was limited to just five.
In the end, it was Criss Cross’ edge in firepower – and their ability to deliver in crucial stretches – that spelled the difference, putting them on the brink of another title after ruling the Invitational Conference last year.
Still, Savouge’s gallant stand did not go unnoticed. No longer overwhelmed by their rivals, the Spin Doctors proved they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s powerhouse – a reality they will carry into a must-win showdown as they fight to extend the series.
Because if they don’t, Criss Cross may well be on its way to another coronation on Friday.
