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Criss Cross celebrates after winning the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference championship, April 19, 2026 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan. PVL Media
MANILA (UPDATED) -- Criss Cross denied Savouge's spirited comeback to win Game 3 of the 2026 Spikers' Turf Open Conference Finals, Sunday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The King Crunchers recovered from a tough loss in the third set to get the job done in four, 28-26, 25-17, 26-28, 25-23.
Kim Malabunga came up with big plays in the end game, scoring off a running play to put Criss Cross at championship point before blocking Louie Ramirez to complete their victory.
Jude Garcia capped another sensational conference by earning Best Player of the Game honors, as he finished with 27 points on 23 kills and three blocks. He was later named Most Valuable Player of the conference -- his fifth straight time to receive the honor.
Adrian Villados was credited with 33 excellent sets, none bigger than the fine pass that led to Malabunga's hit for a 24-23 advantage.
The first and third sets had gone to extensions but Malabunga snuffed Savouge's hopes sending Ramirez's final attempt back to their side of the court.
Noel Kampton, meanwhile, played a pivotal role as he contributed 20 points, while Alche Gupiteo and Malabunga added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Manuel Sumanguid, on the other hand, tallied 20 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs for the King Crunchers.
Meanwhile, Mark Calado paced the Spin Doctors anew with 16 points, while Ramirez finished with 13 points and 13 excellent receptions, and JP Bugaoan added 10 markers as Savouge posted its best finish after two bronze medal efforts.
The victory capped a strong campaign for the King Crunchers, who were unscathed in the preliminary round only to be stunned by the Spin Doctors in the semis.
Savouge again shocked Criss Cross in Game 2 of the best-of-3 Finals series, but Sydney Calderon's wards ran out of answers in the endgame against the King Crunchers.