Criss Cross showed its ability to overcome adversity, recovering from an opening-set loss against the conference’s top blocking team to preserve its unbeaten record in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference. Adrian Villados orchestrated the comeback with an outstanding performance at setter.

The reigning champions defeated National University-Archipelago Builders, 23-25, 25-16, 25-20, 25-20, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to four games. Their response after dropping the first set highlighted their offensive discipline against NU’s formidable defense.

Villados delivered 38 excellent sets, helping the King Crunchers find openings against the Bulldogs’ imposing blockers. The 26-year-old setter also contributed three points and nine excellent digs in the one-hour, 42-minute victory.

Villados Leads Criss Cross Comeback

Villados said his priority was to give the King Crunchers’ attackers confidence and enough room to operate against NU’s blocking strength. He also credited head coach Tai Bundit’s system for helping the team overcome the challenge.

“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),” Villados said.

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

The King Crunchers made the most of Villados’ distribution, converting 64 of their 126 attacks for an impressive 50.8% success rate. Criss Cross also demonstrated discipline by committing just 12 unforced errors while capitalizing on NU’s 20 miscues.

Five-time MVP Jude Garcia led the offensive charge with 24 points on 19-of-40 attacks, three blocks and two service aces. He also recorded 16 excellent receptions, while Jaron Requinton added 19 points.

Noel Kampton delivered a double-double with 14 points and 10 excellent receptions. Middle blockers Lloyd Josafat and Kim Malabunga contributed nine and eight points, respectively, giving Criss Cross additional scoring options.

Criss Cross Maintains Unbeaten Record

The victory improved Criss Cross’ record to 4-0, keeping the King Crunchers tied with ClearSkiiin atop the standings. The reigning champions have now collected four consecutive victories without dropping a match.

NU, meanwhile, suffered its first defeat after opening the tournament with three straight wins. The Bulldogs dropped to third place with a 3-1 record despite strong individual performances from their attackers.

Buds Buddin led NU with a double-double of 19 points and 18 excellent receptions. Jade Disquitado added 18 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Leo Ordiales also finished with 18 points after entering the match in the third set.

Criss Cross will attempt to extend its winning streak to five games against AEP-Cabstars on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. NU will look to bounce back against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.