TNT-QC, Coke-Marikina top Jr PBA elims

MANILA, Philippines - Batang Talk n Text-Quezon City and Batang Coca-Cola-Marikina swept the group eliminations of the Coca-Cola-Batang PBA Summer League yesterday with contrasting victories at the old San Juan gym.

The two-time defending champion Batang Texters of coach Mark Herrera dumped Batang Barako Energy Coffee-Manila, 108-12, to stay unbeaten in four games at the end of the single round eliminations in Group B.

In contrast, the  Batang Tigers had to overcome a fourth quarter charge by the Batang Rain or Shine-San Juan to escape with a 69-64 decision in Group B.

Jolo Mendoza scored 19 of his 27 points in the first quarter, Carl Bautista had 13 while John Vincent Gallego and Anton Sto. Domingo added 12 apiece for the Batang Texters, who are aiming a fourth championship in seven years.

Mendoza finished the game with 31 points, Gallego 20, Fran Yu and Gian Mamuyac 15 each and Kean Herrera six.

“These kids have played their best and they deserve to win,” said Herrera, who is assisted by Edwin Ancheta, Benjie Diswe, PJ Navaro, and Jun Usman.

Supporting the team are PLDT president Manny Pangilinan, senior vice president Ricky Vargas and TnT team manager Virgil Villavicencio.