Four-Set Comeback Keeps Criss Cross Unbeaten in Invitational Conference
Criss Cross recovered from an opening-set defeat to beat NU-Archipelago Builders and remain unbeaten in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. The King Crunchers completed a 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20 victory, extending their perfect tournament start to four consecutive matches.
Criss Cross Rallies Past NU for Fourth Straight Win
Jonash Dannug of Tiebreaker Times detailed Criss Cross’ four-set victory, which ended NU-Archipelago Builders’ unbeaten Invitational Conference start. The Bulldogs captured the opening set 25-23 before the King Crunchers responded by winning three consecutive frames convincingly.
Criss Cross answered with a 25-16 second-set victory before securing identical 25-20 scores during the final two frames. The result improved the King Crunchers to 4-0, matching fellow unbeaten side ClearSkiiin atop the Invitational Conference standings.
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Villados Records 38 Excellent Sets Against Bulldogs
Adrian Villados registered 38 excellent sets while directing a Criss Cross offense that converted 64 of 126 attacking attempts. The King Crunchers finished with a 50.8% attacking success rate despite facing the blocking presence across National University’s lineup.
“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 Villados.
King Crunchers Hit 50.8% Against NU Defense
Criss Cross produced 64 successful attacks from 126 attempts, finishing the four-set victory with a 50.8% attacking success rate. Villados credited confidence in his hitters and trust in head coach Tai Bundit’s system when discussing his offensive distribution.
The 26-year-old setter also acknowledged the size and experience throughout an NU lineup featuring several players with national-team backgrounds. His comments provided additional context surrounding the defensive challenge Criss Cross faced while maintaining its efficient attacking performance.
Villados Acknowledges NU’s Size and Experience
Villados specifically highlighted NU’s tall blockers, attacking personnel, and national-team experience while discussing the opposition following Criss Cross’ victory. The King Crunchers nevertheless produced three consecutive winning sets after dropping a competitive 25-23 opening frame against the Bulldogs.
“Given na talagang most of them are national team players, tall blockers and spikers, and mataas na rin yung experience nila,” Villados added.
Garcia Leads Balanced Criss Cross Scoring Effort
Five-time MVP Jude Garcia led Criss Cross with 24 points, converting 19 attacks while adding three blocks and two aces. Garcia also recorded 16 excellent receptions, contributing in first contact while carrying the King Crunchers’ largest individual scoring total.
Jaron Requinton contributed 19 points, while Noel Kampton finished with 14 points and registered 10 excellent receptions against National University. Their performances gave Criss Cross three double-digit scorers during a victory that preserved the King Crunchers’ perfect Invitational Conference record.
Josafat and Malabunga Add Middle Production
Lloyd Josafat contributed nine points while Kim Malabunga added eight, extending Criss Cross’ scoring production beyond its three double-digit scorers. Their contributions accompanied Garcia, Requinton, and Kampton as Villados distributed 38 excellent sets throughout the four-set victory over National University.
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Criss Cross Limits Errors as NU Takes First Loss
Criss Cross committed only 12 unforced errors across four sets, while National University finished the contest with 20 miscues. The eight-error difference accompanied the King Crunchers’ efficient attacking performance as NU absorbed its first defeat of the Invitational Conference.
The Bulldogs dropped to 3-1 after entering the matchup with three consecutive victories to begin their tournament campaign. NU still received double-digit scoring performances from Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, and reserve Leo Ordiales during Wednesday’s four-set defeat.
Buddin, Disquitado and Ordiales Lead Bulldogs
Buddin led National University with 19 points and 18 excellent receptions, while Disquitado contributed 18 points and 15 excellent receptions. Ordiales added 18 points after entering during the third set, providing substantial production from the Bulldogs’ bench against Criss Cross.
Criss Cross Improves to 4-0 Before AEP-Cabstars Match
Criss Cross remained unbeaten at 4-0 and level with ClearSkiiin among the Invitational Conference leaders following its victory over National University. The King Crunchers will next face AEP-Cabstars while pursuing their fifth consecutive victory of the current Spikers’ Turf tournament.
National University will attempt to recover from its first conference defeat when the Bulldogs face the Armed Forces of the Philippines. That matchup will take place at the Philsports Arena after NU’s three-match winning streak ended against the unbeaten King Crunchers.
NU Looks to Rebound Against AFP at Philsports Arena
NU enters its next assignment with a 3-1 record after surrendering three consecutive sets following Wednesday’s opening-frame victory over Criss Cross. The Bulldogs will face AFP at the Philsports Arena as they attempt to begin another Invitational Conference winning run.
Analytical Breakdown: Villados Unlocks Criss Cross Attacking Depth
Villados’ balanced distribution consistently challenged NU’s blocking reads, preventing the Bulldogs from comfortably committing defenders toward Criss Cross’ primary scorers. Garcia, Requinton, and Kampton provided enough attacking variety to punish defensive adjustments while maintaining reliable production across difficult rotations. Criss Cross becomes especially dangerous when efficient attacking combines with disciplined error control, limiting opponents’ opportunities to regain momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Criss Cross-NU final score?
Criss Cross defeated NU-Archipelago Builders 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20 to secure its fourth consecutive Invitational Conference victory.
How many excellent sets did Adrian Villados record?
Adrian Villados recorded 38 excellent sets while directing a Criss Cross offense that converted 64 of 126 attacks.
How many points did Jude Garcia score against NU?
Jude Garcia led Criss Cross with 24 points from 19 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces.
What is Criss Cross’ record after beating NU?
The King Crunchers improved to a perfect 4-0 and remained level with ClearSkiiin atop the Invitational Conference standings.
Who will Criss Cross play next?
Criss Cross will next face AEP-Cabstars as the unbeaten King Crunchers pursue their fifth consecutive Invitational Conference victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Daily Tribune.
