Criss Cross showed why it remains one of the teams to beat in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, turning an opening-set setback into a statement victory over National University-Archipelago Builders to preserve its unbeaten record.
The King Crunchers found their rhythm behind the steady orchestration of Adrian Villados, overcoming the Bulldogs, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20, on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre to secure their fourth consecutive victory and pull level with ClearSkiiin atop the standings at 4-0.
Villados dished out a whopping 38 excellent sets as Criss Cross converted 64 of its 126 attacks for an impressive 50.8-percent success rate, finding ways to penetrate the league’s top blocking team and hand the Bulldogs their first defeat of the conference.
He also chipped in three points and nine excellent digs in the one-hour, 42-minute victory.
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“Yung NU talaga, malakas na blocking team. Mindset ko lang, magkaroon ng kumpiyansa ang mga spikers ko at bigyan sila ng space. Para sa mga blockers, marami silang options kung saan dadalhin ang bola, and tiwala lang sa sistema ni Coach Tai (Bundit),” said the 26-year-old setter.
“Given na talagang most of them are national team players, tall blockers and spikers, and mataas na rin yung experience nila,” he added.
Five-time MVP Jude Garcia once again led the King Crunchers with 24 points on 19-of-40 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, while also tallying 16 excellent receptions. Jaron Requinton chipped in 19 points to provide additional firepower.
Noel Kampton recorded a double-double of 14 points and 10 excellent receptions, while middle blockers Lloyd Josafat and Kim Malabunga added nine and eight points, respectively.
The King Crunchers also displayed remarkable discipline, committing just 12 unforced errors throughout the match while capitalizing on NU’s 20 miscues to further underscore their clinical performance against the reigning V-League champions.
Criss Cross will gun for a fifth consecutive victory against AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the same venue.
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Meanwhile, NU, which opened the tournament with three consecutive victories, slipped to third place with a 3-1 record.
Buds Buddin posted a double-double of 19 points and 18 excellent receptions to lead the Bulldogs, while Jade Disquitado also delivered a strong two-way performance with 18 points and 15 excellent receptions.
Leo Ordiales, who came off the bench in the third set, also finished with 18 points.
NU will aim to bounce back against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
