Spikers’ Turf: Criss Cross drubs NU, ties ClearSkiiin on top

MANILA — Criss Cross shook off an opening-set stumble before taking control the rest of the way to dispatch National University-Archipelago Builders, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20, and remain unbeaten in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Adrian Villados orchestrated the King Crunchers’ efficient offensive attack, keeping the reigning champions in command after the first-set setback as they notched their fourth consecutive victory to tie ClearSkiiin atop the standings with identical 4-0 records.

Villados dished out a whopping 38 excellent sets as Criss Cross converted 64 of its 126 attacks for an impressive 50.8-percent success rate, finding ways to penetrate the league’s top blocking team and hand the Bulldogs their first defeat of the conference.

He also chipped in three points and nine excellent digs in the one-hour, 42-minute victory.

“Yung NU talaga, malakas na blocking team. Mindset ko lang, magkaroon ng kumpiyansa ang mga spikers ko at bigyan sila ng space. Para sa mga blockers, marami silang options kung saan dadalhin ang bola, and tiwala lang sa sistema ni Coach Tai (Bundit),” said the 26-year-old setter.

“Given na talagang most of them are national team players, tall blockers and spikers, and mataas na rin yung experience nila,” he added.

Five-time MVP Jude Garcia once again led the King Crunchers with 24 points on 19-of-40 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, while also tallying 16 excellent receptions. Jaron Requinton chipped in 19 points to provide additional firepower.

Noel Kampton recorded a double-double of 14 points and 10 excellent receptions, while middle blockers Lloyd Josafat and Kim Malabunga added nine and eight points, respectively.

Criss Cross will gun for a fifth consecutive victory against AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the same venue.

Meanwhile, NU, which opened the tournament with three consecutive victories, slipped to third place with a 3-1 record.

Buds Buddin posted a double-double of 19 points and 18 excellent receptions to lead the Bulldogs, while Jade Disquitado also delivered a strong two-way performance with 18 points and 15 excellent receptions.

Leo Ordiales, who came off the bench in the third set, also finished with 18 points.

NU will aim to bounce back against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.