King Crunchers Triumph in Game 3 Thriller to Claim Back-to-Back Championship

Criss Cross regained control at a pivotal moment, using their composure and experience to withstand a fierce challenge from Savouge and clinch a dramatic championship win.

The King Crunchers triumphed over the Spin Doctors in a thrilling, winner-takes-all Game 3, 28-26, 25-17, 26-28, 25-23, on Sunday at the Filoil Centre to secure the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference crown.

This victory marked Criss Cross' second consecutive championship, adding their first Open Conference title to the mantle after previously falling short, following their earlier Invitational Conference victory.

However, the journey to the title wasn’t easy, as Savouge pushed the series to the limit. Criss Cross opened the Finals with a tough Game 1 win, 25-20, 26-28, 25-18, 25-20, but Savouge responded with a dominant 25-22, 25-21, 25-19 sweep in Game 2, forcing a decisive Game 3.

Game 3 became a battle of nerves and endurance, with both teams refusing to back down in a tense fourth set that stretched into the clutch moments.

Savouge, fueled by their escape in the third set, kept the pressure on in the final moments of Game 3, tying the match at 23-all and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

At that point, veteran middle blocker Kim Malabunga became the game-changer. After calming his team with key plays, Malabunga delivered a crucial quick attack to put Criss Cross ahead, 24-23, before sealing the championship with a decisive block against Louie Ramirez at the net.

Malabunga’s clutch block wrapped up a resilient performance from Criss Cross, shutting the door on Savouge’s last push and securing the title.

Jude Garcia once again led the charge, scoring 27 points with 23 attacks, three kill blocks, and an ace. The five-time conference MVP also earned his first Finals MVP award, averaging 21.0 points per game throughout the series.

"It feels amazing because in the third and fourth sets, Savouge didn't give us anything easy," Garcia said. "When you really work for it, the championship tastes even sweeter. That’s how we got it."

Noel Kampton contributed 20 points to stabilize Criss Cross, while Alche Gupiteo and Malabunga added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Adrian Villados orchestrated the offense with 33 excellent sets, and Manuel Sumanguid anchored the floor defense with 20 excellent receptions and eight digs.

For Savouge, Mark Calado led with 16 points, while Ramirez added 13 points and 13 excellent receptions. JP Bugaoan chipped in 10 points as the Spin Doctors settled for a silver medal in their first-ever Finals appearance.