Unbeaten and exuding confidence, Criss Cross and Savouge look primed to roll to another pair of emphatic victories as they face separate foes before their highly anticipated collision for the solo lead in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference on Sunday.
The King Crunchers and the Spin Doctors have dismantled their first three opponents in commanding fashion, and all signs point to a fourth straight win when they battle the 3B Event Masters and the AEP-Cabstars, respectively, in the double-header at the FilOil Centre that could serve as a prelude to a blockbuster clash at the close of the first phase of the double-round prelims.
Criss Cross tangles with 3B at 3 p.m., determined to extend its perfect run and sustain the dominant form that has made it the early team to beat. Savouge follows at 5 p.m., eyeing the same result against a Cabstars side still searching for consistency.
The King Crunchers have looked every bit the reigning Invitational Conference champions, made even more formidable by the seamless integration of Alche Gupiteo and Lloyd Josafat. The two new additions have delivered immediate impact, adding firepower and stability to an already seasoned core led by four-time MVP Jude Garcia.
Backed by Noel Kampton, Kim Malabunga, Adrian Villados and John Pepito, Criss Cross boasts depth, cohesion and championship poise – a combination that makes another lopsided result highly probable.
Still, Garcia insists there remains room for refinement.
“Siguro minimize lang namin ‘yung errors namin sa umpisa ng set kasi dun kami nag-i-struggle. Talagang pagtatrabahuhan namin na i-minimize pa ‘yung errors para mas maging maganda ‘yung kalabasan ng game namin,” said Garcia, despite their shutout win over the Cabstars where they yielded 16 free points.
For the 3B Event Masters, who carry a 1-2 slate, the challenge looms large. They are coming off a straight-set loss to the resurgent Alpha Insurance Protectors and will need a near-flawless outing to threaten the league’s most disciplined squad.
While Carl Berdal, Kenneth Daynata, Israel Encina and Christan Olaes are capable of sparks, 3B will have to play beyond its current form to derail the King Crunchers’ momentum.
The same uphill battle awaits the AEP-Cabstars.
Savouge, though still fine-tuning its rotations under coach Sydney Calderon, has steamrolled through three matches with balance and depth. The continued integration of its new stars has only expanded its tactical options – a luxury Calderon can maximize as they gear up for their collision with Criss Cross.
Bannered by Louie Ramirez, Mark Calado, Shawie Caritativo, JP Bugaoan, Giles Torres, Vince Imperial and Rikko Marmeto, the Spin Doctors possess the firepower and defensive discipline to dictate tempo early – a formula that has overwhelmed opponents thus far.
“Marami pa kaming lilinisin lalong lalo na sa blockings… So paghahandaan talaga namin ‘yung remaining games namin,” said Calderon, acknowledging areas for improvement even amid their unbeaten surge.
The Cabstars, despite a 1-2 record, remain dangerous on paper with Jay Rack De La Noche, Vince Abrot, EJ Casana, Nas Gwaza, Paul Malaiba and Vince Lorrenzo leading the charge. But against a well-oiled Savouge side gaining rhythm each outing, they will need more than potential to pull off an upset.
With both league leaders heavily favored in their respective assignments, the possibility of another pair of one-sided victories looms large – setting the stage for a thrilling Sunday faceoff where supremacy and solo leadership will finally be on the line.
