Nico Almendras dished out his best game yet in a Criss Cross jersey, scoring a game-high 19 points on 15 attacks, three aces and one block in a swift one-hour, 31-minute contest. His outstanding showing helped Criss Cross finish the elims on a blistering six-game winning streak.
“Importante sa amin ‘tong panalo na ‘to kasi ‘yun nga, magkakalaban pa kami sa semis so siguro kung ano ‘yung nilaro namin ngayon, mapapanood naman namin ‘yun and syempre mapapagaralan din,” said Almendras, a former National U standout.
Trailing by a point late in the third set, Criss Cross capitalized on Savouge’s four consecutive reception errors, with Almendras firing two aces to put the Crunchers ahead 22-19.
Savouge briefly regained momentum with conversions from Louis Gamban and Deanne De Pedro. However, Jude Garcia’s back-row attack and Giles Torres’ quick strike kept Criss Cross in control.
A miscommunication on Savouge’s end then paved the way for Francis Saura’s crucial attack, bringing Criss Cross to match point. Gian Glorioso sealed the win with a quick attack.
“Yung ginagawa naming sa training lumabas ngayong game. Kung ano ‘yung adjustments na nakita ng mga coaches, siguro ‘yun ‘yung tatrabahuhin namin,” said Almendras.
Glorioso was a picture of consistency, contributing 10 points, including three blocks, while Garcia also had a solid all-around performance, tallying 10 points, 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Ish Polvorosa orchestrated their offense with 19 excellent sets, while Rex Intal chipped in eight points, further showcasing the depth of Criss Cross as they enter the next phase of the competition.
Despite the setback, the Spin Doctors, who finished fourth with a 6-3 mark, proved they can hold their own against top-tier competition, pushing the King Crunchers to the limit in three tightly contested sets. However, crucial errors and misplays ultimately derailed their bid.
As they gear up for the grueling semis starting Wednesday, their immediate focus must be on tightening their game. The stakes are higher now, with the competition set to intensify, especially with the entry of a guest team adding more excitement to the mix.
Still, the Spin Doctors remain optimistic. Buoyed by the quality of their recent performances, they’re confident in their ability to shake up the semis with their signature style of play. With the right adjustments, they believe they can turn their campaign around and make a strong push for the title.
