Unbeaten streaks, supremacy at stake as Criss Cross faces NU

Defending champion Criss Cross and National University will put their unbeaten records on the line when they collide in a heavyweight showdown in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre.

Both teams carry identical 3-0 records heading into the marquee matchup, with the King Crunchers and Bulldogs set to face off at 1 p.m. in the second game of an action-packed quadruple-header.

With the standings beginning to take shape, Wednesday’s slate could prove crucial in determining the early race to the semifinals, particularly for teams looking to gain ground and avoid falling further behind.

3B (1-2) opens the day against winless VNS-Laticrete at 11 a.m., with both sides eager to build momentum and turn their respective campaigns around.

Alpha Insurance (1-2) and AEP-Cabstars (1-2) then collide at 3 p.m. before Savouge (1-2) takes on Far Eastern University-DN Steel (2-1) in a high-powered showdown at 5 p.m. to close out the day’s action.

Criss Cross and NU have established themselves as early contenders, but Wednesday’s encounter offers an opportunity for both teams to measure their strengths against one of the conference’s toughest opponents.

The matchup pits the conference’s top attacking unit against its most formidable defensive wall. The King Crunchers lead the league in spiking with a 44.79-percent success rate and 4.27 spikes per set, while the Bulldogs boast a league-best 47 blocks through three games.

Five-time MVP Jude Garcia and newcomer Amil Pacinio have spearheaded Criss Cross’ offensive charge, providing the firepower behind the defending champions’ unbeaten run.

“After ng rest, training ulit, back to the drawing board, and pagaaralan namin ‘yung NU kung paano sila gumagalaw and then execute namin kung ano ‘yung game plan namin against NU,” said Garcia.

NU, meanwhile, will bank on its imposing frontline, led by Obed Mukaba, who tops the league’s blocking department with 17 rejections at 1.55 per set. Choi Diao ranks fourth with 0.82 blocks per set, while Buds Buddin sits at No. 10 with a 0.55 average.

“Sabi ko kailangan mabalik natin kung ano ‘yung ginagawa natin, ‘yung every set nakaka three to five blocks tayo. Kailangan na kailangan natin ipakita ‘yung advantage natin,” said Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

With the King Crunchers relying on their offensive firepower and the Bulldogs counting on their defensive presence at the net, the outcome could hinge on which side successfully imposes its preferred style of play.

Both teams have plenty to prove in this early-season showdown, with a victory providing another opportunity to strengthen their positions among the conference’s leading contenders.