Melecio keys Batang Llamados easy win

MANILA, Philippines - Aljun Melecio scored all his team’s 32 points in the first quarter and Batang B-Meg Derby Ace-Caloocan went on to clobber Batang Air 21-Taytay, 82-52, and clinch the last semifinal berth in the Coca-Cola Batang PBA Summer League at the old San Juan gym yesterday.

It was the Batang Llamados’ third straight win after an opening game loss as they finished with a 3-1 record in Group A in the elims. They will face Batang Coca-Cola-Marikina, the top team in Group B, in today’s crossover semifinal.

Two-time defending champion Batang Talk n Text-Quezon City and Batang Rain or Shine San Juan clash in the other semifinal match.

Winners will dispute the crown Sunday.

Melecio eventually finished with 39 points and Patrick Cagara scored 16 of his 18 points in the second quarter as the Batang Derby Ace stretched an eight-point lead to a 58-30 bulge at halftime.

Albert Bordeos scored 28 points for the Batang Air 21, which closed out with a 2-2 card.

Batang Ginebra-Cainta routed Batang Sta. Lucia-Pasig, 54-38, in the other game.

Mark Daniel Villegas had 16 points for the Batang Kings while Michael Abalos and Carlos Cumpas each scored eight points for Batang Sta. Lucia.