Batang Coke rips Sta. Lucia, gains Final 4

MANILA, Philippines - John Adolph Salinas scored 13 of his team-high 17 points in the first quarter to power Batang Coca-Cola-Marikina to 69-41 victory over Batang Sta. Lucia-Pasig Wednesday at the Old San Juan gym.

With its third consecutive win in as many games in Group B, Marikina clinched a berth in the crossover semifinal in the Coca-Cola-Batang PBA Summer League confined to kids 9-12 years old.

Jankard Osma and Andrei Castillo had 10 points apiece for the Batang Tigers, who could sweep their elimination assignment with a victory against early semifinalist and unbeaten Batang Rain or Shine-San Juan.

Carlos Cumpas scored 20 points and Albert Lipana added eight for the Batang Realtors, who picked up their third straight loss.

In the other game, Batang B-Meg Derby Ace-Caloocan clobbered Batang Barako Energy Coffee-Manila, 55-30, to stay in contention for the last semifinal in Group A.

Aljun Melecio scored 20 of his 22 points in the first quarter and Patrick Cagara added 15 for the Batang Llamados, who improved to 2-1.

Jezzrell Andaya finished with nine points and Ramon Baldueza added six for the Batang Coffee Masters, who never recovered after falling behind, 5-24, in the first quarter. Manila fell to 0-3.