MANILA, Philippines - Alberto Bordeos had 16 of game-high 20 points in the first quarter as Batang Air 21-Taytay defeated Batang San Miguel-Muntinlupa, 53-42, Friday to stay in contention for a semifinal spot in the Coca-Cola-Batang PBA Summer League at the old San Juan gym.
The Batang Express were never challenged after taking a 22-5 advantage after the opening quarter on the way to their second win in three games and tied idle Batang B-Meg Derby Ace -Caloocan in Group A.
Taytay and Caloocan will face each other on Wednesday with the winner joining early semifinalist and two-time defending champion Talk N’ Text in the crossover semifinals.
Batang Coca-Cola-Marikina and Batang Rain or Shine-San Juan have completed the semifinal casts in Group B on the strength of their 3-0 (win-loss) records.
Prince Carlos scored eight points and Juan Miguel Ponce added seven for Muntinlupa which closed out its stint with 1-3 mark.
Batang Alaska-Antipolo subdued Batang Barangay Ginebra-Cainta, 59-52, in Group B.
Justine Estaquio scored all his 25 points in the second half as the Batang Aces, who trailed for most game and down 32-38 after three quarters, outscored the Batang Kings, 26-14, in the fourth quarter and wound up the elimination round with 2-2 slate.