Criss Cross showed no signs of slowing down, this time flashing its stifling net defense to complement its vaunted firepower as it blasted Alpha Insurance, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20, to remain unbeaten in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Wednesday night at the FilOil Playtime Centre.
Already known for their explosive offense, the King Crunchers displayed another dimension of its game, dominating at the net and frustrating the Protectors with a steady wall of blocks and well-timed defensive reads as they firmed up their hold of the top spot with a league-best 6-0 record in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
They controlled the tempo from the opening set and never allowed their opponents to mount a serious rally, cruising to a straight-sets victory to keep their perfect run intact in the tournament.
“Ano lang, talagang nag-focus kami sa basics. Kasi syempre hindi porket na 5-0 namin ‘yung first round eh ‘yun na ‘yon,” said four-time MVP Jude Garcia, who finished with eight points in the match.
“Di pa kasi tapos, so kailangan talaga mag-double effort this second round talaga. Kailangan lahat ng games namin, ‘yung effort nandun,” he added.
Led by the imposing frontline duo of Kim Malabunga and Poy Colinares, Criss Cross unleashed a near-impenetrable wall at the net, finishing with 17 kill blocks. Colinares finished with 10 points, including four blocks, while Malabunga had five blocks on his way to an eight-point output.
But aside from their imposing performance at the net, the reigning Invitational Conference champions were also on point throughout the one-hour contest, yielding just seven errors.
Alche Gupiteo paced the offense with 16 points on 14 attacks and two kill blocks to go along with 10 excellent receptions, while Noel Kampton recorded 12 points, laced with six excellent receptions.
Adrian Villados dished out 12 excellent sets and scored one point for the King Crunchers.
The victory likewise primed up Criss Cross for its rematch with fellow contender Savouge on Friday, 5 p.m. at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Alpha Insurance absorbed its third loss, but remained in the third spot with a 3-3 record in the tournament backed by Alpha Insurance, Arena Plus, Black Mamba, and Premier EMS.
Edward Camposano led the Protectors with 10 points as JM Ronquillo and Jau Umandal were held to just seven points apiece.
Alpha Insurance will try to bounce back against 3B also on Friday, 3 p.m.
