SMC All-Stars gains Japa Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corp. All-Stars completed a sweep of Group A, beating Talk n Text All-Stars, 80-67, to advance to the crossover semifinals of the Meralco-Raffy Japa Cup basketball tournament at the Astrodome last Wednesday.

Richard Marcos topscored for SMCAS with 23 points while four others turned in double digit outputs as the two-time champion closed out their elims campaign with a 3-0 (win-loss) record.

They will take on the No. 2 team in Group B for a spot in the finals.

Pro Stats stayed in the hunt by beating the PBA Press Corps, 82-66, in the other game for a 1-1 card in Group B of the annual tournament backed by Araneta Center and Coca-Cola.

Erwin Lagadia led Pro Stars with 19 points.

The Scribes must win against Coca-Cola to remain in the semis race.