MANILA, Philippines — Jaron Requinton came to the rescue, drilling the big blows in the fifth set to save Criss Cross from a collapse and force a winner-take-all Game 3 against defending champion Cignal, 25-20, 25-15, 18-25, 22-25, 15-12, on Sunday at Philsports Arena.

The King Crunchers blew a 2-0 lead as the HD Spikers dominated the third and fourth sets to force a fifth frame. Criss Cross needed to recover from a 4-7 start in the decider and forced a neck-and-neck duel with Marck Espejo providing the spark off the bench with his timely hits.

Tied at 11-all, Requinton drilled a go-ahead cross-court hit and nailed another one from the back row, followed by an attack error from Jau Umandal to help Criss Cross reach match point, 14-11.

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Ish Polvorosa wants no letup from Criss Cross

Umandal saved a point for Cignal but Kim Malabunga sealed it with a game-winning running attack after a grueling two-hour and 30-minute game.

Requinton, inspired by the cheer he heard from his idol Alyssa Valdez and sister team Creamline Cool Smashers, stepped up when it mattered most with 17 points on 16-of-33 attacking clip.

“During the whole fifth set, I was really nervous, but I didn’t show it. But when Kuya Marck said that nothing is impossible, that’s all I kept telling them throughout the fifth set. Before we knew it, we were up 8-7,” said Requinton in Filipino.

“If my teammates are staying positive, who am I to think of negative thoughts? So I had to stay positive too because I have ‘Happy’ written on my hand. I need to live by that. If anyone is feeling down or lost on the court, I should be the one to lift them up.”

Criss Cross King Crunchers celebrate during Game 2 of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Two-time MVP Jude Garcia led the King Crunchers with a game-high 25 points off 20 kills, three aces, and two blocks and also had 21 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras had 17 points, while Gian Glorioso added eight points.

Ish Polvorosa orchestrated 23 excellent sets. Manuel Sumanguid protected the floor with 14 digs and 14 excellent receptions.

READ: Spikers’ Turf: Cignal beats Criss Cross for 1-0 Finals lead

Espejo, who scored four points in the last two sets he subbed in, is hoping to help Criss Cross win its first title on Sunday at 4 p.m. after settling for back-to-back runner-up finishes last year at the hands of Cignal.

“Right now, I feel good because this is the kind of exciting game and quality volleyball we need. I’m happy that the level of volleyball has really gone up,” said Espejo, who arrived from Japan during the semis round.

“I also thought about how I’ve seen their struggles in past conferences and during the offseason when I wasn’t around. I really want to help them achieve what they’re aiming for, their goals, and I want to be a part of that.”

Cignal turned to Umanndal, who had 22 points and nine receptions, but for naught. Steve Rotter and JP Bugaoan added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Owa Retamar had 13 excellent sets but suffered from cramps in the fifth set, as Lloyd Josafat and Louie Ramirez combined for 19 points.

Vince Lorenzo had 35 excellent receptions and six digs only to fall short in Game 2.