Photo from PVL Media Bureau
MANILA — Battle-tested composure spelled the difference as Criss Cross survived AEP-Cabstars, carving out a 25-20, 29-27, 25-15 victory to stay unbeaten in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the FilOil Centre on Sunday.
After flirting with disaster in a nerve-wracking second set, the King Crunchers leaned on their championship DNA to survive – then imposed their will in the third frame to stretch their straight-set run and win streak to three.
Determined not to relive the second-set scare, the King Crunchers raced to a 6-2 start and never looked back, overwhelming their rivals. The Cabstars, visibly drained from the emotional setback, struggled to recover as the King Crunchers completed the sweep.
“Makikita kasi ‘yung ano dun eh, ‘yung maturity ng team ngayon,” said the four-time league MVP Jude Garcia. “Nasa right path kami ng gusto naming mangyari this conference. ‘Yun ‘yung ina-eye talaga namin, ‘yung maturity ng bawat isa.”
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Garcia’s clutch finishing complemented Gupiteo’s all-around brilliance. He finished with a game-high 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while Gupiteo poured in 13 points and 10 excellent receptions to earn Best Player of the Game honors.
“We started flat and lost our focus for a while,” said Gupiteo. “Good thing we reset our mindset in time.”
Noel Kampton managed nine points despite playing only in the first two frames, while Lloyd Josafat tallied four attacks and three kill blocks for seven points for the King Crunchers.
Adrian Villados dished out 21 excellent sets, leading the offensive strike that also saw Nico Almendras, Kim Malabunga, and Poy Colinares finish with four points apiece in their win.
Meanwhile, the Cabstars, who were coming off a straight-set win over VNS Always Bright Laticrete, slid to 1-2 in the standings.
De La Noche once again paced the squad with 16 points, while Gwaza and Abrot added 10 and nine points, respectively.