RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL – Criss Cross moved a step closer to a fourth straight finals appearance after surviving Savouge Aesthetics’ furious comeback, carving out a thrilling 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 18-25, 15-12 escape in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference Tuesday night at the Ynares Center Montalban here.
Just when it seemed the King Crunchers would collapse under the Spin Doctors’ searing fightback, Jude Garcia once again proved why he’s a three-time MVP. He took charge in the crunch, paving the way for Jaron Requinton to deliver the finishing blows that propelled Criss Cross into a three-way tie for the top spot at 3-1 – a deadlock that will be settled on the final day of the round-robin semifinals on Thursday.
All three teams remain one win away from booking a championship berth in the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premier EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Arena Plus, and Black Mamba.
Of the contenders, Criss Cross holds the clearest path – a 1 p.m. duel with already-eliminated, undermanned UST-Gameville. A victory would also end Cignal's three-conference reighn.
For Garcia and Requinton, that scenario offers the perfect opportunity to build on the poise and fire they showed in Tuesday’s clutch moments.
“Tumatakbo lang sa isip ko na gusto ko talaga lahat ng gagalawin namin ay maayos, lahat na pupuntusin namin ay maganda,” said Garcia.
“So yun, talagang nag-contribute naman lahat, and then nakuha namin yung win. Hindi namin makukuha yun kung hindi dahil sa teamwork – nagtiwala kami sa isa’t isa na makukuha namin yung panalo.”
Garcia strung together five straight points to lift Criss Cross to a 12-9 cushion in the fifth set, regaining momentum back from a Savouge side that had looked invincible after dominating the third and fourth frames.
The finale turned into a tug-of-war as Giles Torres and Noel Kampton traded fire, before Requinton stepped in once more – engaging in a thrilling exchange with Reymark Betco and Mark Calado – until he finally hammered an off-the-block winner to seal the triumph after two hours and 11 minutes.
Garcia erupted for 25 points on 24 attacks and an ace, while the steady Requinton added 19 points built on 15 attacks, three aces, and a block – numbers that also snapped the Spin Doctors’ three-game winning streak.
Nico Almendras chipped in 10 points and 13 excellent receptions. Middle blockers Poy Colinares and Gian Glorioso contributed eight and seven points, respectively, each producing four blocks.
Setter Adrian Villados delivered 23 excellent sets, while liberos John Pepito and Manuel Sumanguid combined for 12 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.
Savouge, meanwhile, clawed back from an 0-2 hole and carried that surge into the deciding set, only to fall short in the final push. The loss now forces the Spin Doctors into a must-win duel against the visiting Japanese squad, which also totes a 3-1 slate, on Thursday at 5 p.m. to stay in the title hunt.
Despite fading in the fifth, Calado still tallied 23 points on 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace.
Daniel Nicolas finished with 15 points and kept Savouge afloat early in the decider, while Torres added 14 markers.
Shawie Caritativo collected seven points along with 16 excellent receptions and 13 digs, while Rikko Marmeto anchored the floor with 32 excellent receptions.
