Criss Cross flexed its composure when it mattered most, outlasting AEP-Cabstars in straight sets, 25-20, 29-27, 25-15, to claim its third consecutive win in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday at the Filoil Centre.
The King Crunchers displayed their championship poise, clawing back to snatch the first two sets before dominating the third, securing a league-best 3-0 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Criss Cross nearly gave up its first set of the tournament in the second frame after the Cabstars surged to a 24-21 lead. But the reigning Invitational Conference champions dug deep, erasing the three-point deficit and escaping the extended set to seize a commanding 2-0 advantage.
An overeager Nas Gwaza misfired on a quick attack that sailed long, allowing Lloyd Josafat and Alchie Gupiteo to rise for back-to-back kill blocks on Gwaza and Jay Rack De La Noche, knotting the score at 24-all.
AEP-Cabstars pushed for three more set points after that, only to see Criss Cross refuse to falter, answering every challenge and fighting off each opportunity with unrelenting precision.
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Trailing 26-27, the King Crunchers breathed a huge sigh of relief when EJ Casana mishandled his serve, allowing four-time MVP Jude Garcia to follow up with back-to-back clutch attacks that sealed the hard-fought second set.
From that point, Criss Cross took full control of the third set, surging to a double-digit lead after consecutive points from Nico Almendras and Gian Glorioso put them up 18-7, and never looked back, claiming the win after an hour and 19 minutes of play.
“Makikita kasi ‘yung ano dun eh, ‘yung maturity ng team ngayon,” said Garcia. “Nasa right path kami ng gusto naming mangyari this conference. ‘Yun ‘yung ina-eye talaga namin, ‘yung maturity ng bawat isa.”
“Kung paano i-handle ‘yung ganong situation, kung ano ‘yung pressure na binibigay sa amin. Kumbaga talaga, ready lahat kung sinong ipasok sa amin,” he added.
Garcia delivered his best outing after three games, finishing with 16 points on 14 attacks and two kill blocks. Gupiteo reached double digits for the third consecutive game with 13 markers, including 10 excellent receptions.
Noel Kampton contributed nine points despite playing only in the first two frames, while Lloyd Josafat tallied seven points on four attacks and three kill blocks.
Adrian Villados orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets, supported by Almendras, Kim Malabunga, and Poy Colinares, who added four points each in the win. The tournament is backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
Criss Cross will return Friday against 3B at 3 p.m. at the same venue, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory.
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Meanwhile, the Cabstars, who were coming off a straight-set win over VNS Always Bright Laticrete, fell to 1-2 in the standings.
De La Noche led the squad with 16 points, while Gwaza and Abrot added 10 and nine, respectively. Vince Lorenzo recorded 17 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs in the loss.
AEP-Cabstars will look to bounce back against Savouge on Friday at 5 p.m.
