Filoil playtime centre: Jude Garcia delivered his best performance in the Spikers' Turf Open Conference, scoring 26 points in leading Criss Cross to a 22-25, 25-10, 25-13, 25-15 victory Friday at the Filoil Playtime Centre. The four-time league MVP had 19 attacks, five blocks, and two aces as the King Crunchers rolled to their fourth straight win.
According to Philippines News Agency, Criss Cross is set to face fellow unbeaten team Savouge on Sunday, marking the close of the first phase of the double-round eliminations. Garcia admitted that the team started off complacent and stiff, but eventually settled into their rhythm by adhering to head coach Tai Bundit's 'happy happy' mantra, which helped them relax and play better.
"First of all, the team probably got complacent. We underestimated our opponent so much they took the first set. I mean, all the teams on Spikers' Turf are really preparing for us. They want to beat us, so we just have to focus on every game and every match. We really need 100 percent," said Garcia.
"We just stuck to Coach Tai [Bundit]'s plan, which was just happy because the first set was so serious. So the team really needed a different rhythm, which is why the change of players was good," he added.
Alche Gupiteo contributed 12 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Lloyd Josafat and Jaron Requinton scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. Criss Cross led 54-38 in attacks, 8-3 in blocks, and 6-3 in service aces.
Skipper Carl Justin Berdal finished with 12 points and 15 receptions for the Event Masters, who took their second straight loss, resulting in a 1-3 slate.
