League-leading Criss Cross looks to stretch its winning run to five as it faces UST-Gameville in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday, Nov. 9, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

The King Crunchers are riding a four-game surge after toppling defending champion Cignal and two-time bronze medalist Savouge Aesthetics. They remain firmly in control of the season-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision.

UST-Gameville, meanwhile, comes off back-to-back wins over the VNS Griffins and Alpha Insurance Protectors. The Golden Spikers seek a breakthrough victory against the unbeaten powerhouse in their 5 p.m. clash.

The matchup caps another explosive triple-header and could shake up the semifinal race in the tournament supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.

A win for Criss Cross would push them closer to a Final Four berth, while a UST upset could open the semis race wide. Beyond the standings, the duel is a classic offense-versus-defense battle.

Criss Cross boasts high-octane offense

Anchoring Criss Cross’s attack is three-time league MVP Jude Garcia, alongside rookie Noel Kampton and newcomer Poy Colinares. The trio has transformed the team into the tournament’s most lethal scoring unit, ranking first in spiking (47.03%), third in blocking (2.71/set), and third in serving (0.93/set).

“Siyempre nakaka-pressure ‘to – unbeaten team, tapos lahat ng teams, players, and manonood babantayan kami. Mage-expect sila,” said Kampton.

“Pero para sa akin, sige lang. Nandyan lang ‘yung standings, pero ang importante one game at a time. Kalimutan muna ‘yung 5-0 – basta pupunta kami sa game para manalo.”

UST-Gameville counters with defense

UST-Gameville relies on veteran Josh Ybañez and defensive anchor Edriel Alabar. The Golden Spikers are second in digs (8.00/set) and reception efficiency (49.1%). Alabar knows the challenge ahead, especially with Ybañez reportedly rejoining Alas Pilipinas next week.

“Kailangan ko talagang mag-step up since mawawala si Josh,” said Alabar. “Pero tiwala ako sa teammates ko – hindi naman lahat dapat kunin ko kasi baka ako rin ‘yung mawala sa laro. Simula sa training, kailangan ko silang tulungan lalo na sa pasa at depensa.”

Sunday’s clash is more than a standings battle. It’s experience versus youth, firepower versus discipline, and a test of which team can impose its will when the pressure peaks.

Other matches on the Sunday triple-header include Savouge Aesthetics (3-2) vs. PGJC-Navy (0-4) at 1 p.m., and FEU-DN Steel (1-3) vs. VNS Griffins (0-4) at 3 p.m.