Ginebra faces SMB; Meralco plays Phoenix in Batang PBA semifinals

Games today (Phl. Science High gym)

9:30 a.m. – San Miguel vs Ginebra

11 a.m. – Meralco vs Phoenix

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel, Meralco and Phoenix turned back their respective rivals Sunday to advance to the crossover semifinals of the Cloudfone-Batang PBA 16-and-under basketball tournament at the Philippine Science High School gym.

The Batang Kings duel San Miguel Beer for the first final berth at 9:30 a.m. today while the Batang Bolts and Batang Fuel Masters clash for the other slot at 11 a.m. The winners dispute the Cloudfone-Batang PBA title.

Ginebra, behind Justin Mark Palisoc, Stacey Tibayan and Ragel Glennard Enorme, edged Mahindra, 62-58, while Meralco, powered by Francis Glorioso, Jasper Dennis Gargar, Christian Jae de Leon and Gabriel Jaramilla, dominated Rain or Shine from the start and cruised to an 88-42 romp.

Phoenix, on the other hand, leaned on Resty Damaso, Elmar Marsonia, Cayler Matthew Filio and Thyron Troi Macaspac, as they thwarted Alaska, 79-73, to clinch the last semis berth. 

Phoenix and Ginebra wrapped up elimination round action in Group A with identical 4-1 slates. SMB and Meralco, on the other hand, topped Group B with similar 4-1 cards.