Ohmer Bautista
Friday, March 15, 2024
Two newcomers had contrasting Spikers' Turf debuts as the Criss Cross King Crunchers dismantled the Maverick Hard Hitters in the 2024 Open Conference.
Criss Cross collected 20 blocks to shut down Maverick in its Spikers' Turf debut. | Photo (c) Spikers' Turf
The Criss Cross King Crunchers sent out a resounding statement in their Spikers' Turf debut on Friday.
The King Crunchers delivered a defensive masterclass to dismantle fellow newcomers Maverick Hard Hitters, 25-8, 25-22, 25-11, in the 2024 Open Conference at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With Kim Malabunga and Jude Garcia roaming at the net, Criss Cross put up an impregnable wall right from the get-go, collecting 12 of their total 20 blocks in a dominant opening salvo.
The King Crunchers would then play with their prey as they coughed out a bulk of their 11 total errors in the second set that allowed the Hard Hitters to pick up steam.
Still, the Tai Bundit-mentored squad had superior finishing kick to snatch a two-set buffer.
It was all Criss Cross at the end as Maverick found itself in a deep, double-digit hole that proved insurmountable.
Garcia topbilled with 18 points built on 12 attacks and five blocks, on top of eight excellent receptions.
Malabunga collected a game-high six blocks to end up with 11 markers, while captain Ysay Marasigan and Jaron Requinton chipped in eight points apiece.
Ish Polvorosa generated the offense to the tune of 17 excellent sets for the King Crunchers, who outgunned the Hard Hitters, 38-27.
No one from the Maverick scored in double figures.
Kim Tan paced the losing side with nine points, while Jerome Cordez chipped in seven.
Criss Cross will try to make it two in a row when it faces VNS-Nasty on March 22, Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena.
Maverick, on the other hand, will seek a breakthrough win when it collides with PGJC-Navy on March 20, Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena.