Batang TnT-QC scores 4-peat in Jr PBA

MANILA, Philippines - Batang Talk n Text-Quezon City held Batang B-Meg Derby Ace-Caloocan to just four points in the third quarter then went on to fashion out a runaway 92-68 victory and retain its crown in the Powerade Batang PBA Pilipinas Championship at the old San Juan gym yesterday.

The Batang Texters toughened up on defense in the second half, forcing a series of Batang Llamados turnovers, which they turned into points. They actually trailed, 39-40, at the turn but shackled the Batang Llamados with a suffocating defense while scoring 26 points of their own.

Their defense was so effective they kept the Batang Llamados without a field goal in an eight-minute stretch while turning a 40-42 deficit into a 65-44 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

“They were a little bit anxious in the early going. But I told them to just keep the game close because I was confident we will beat them with our defense,” said Batang TnT-QC coach Mark Herrera, who also coaches the UE Jr Red Warriors and Under-13 national team.

Batang TnT’s title romp came on the heels of its victory in the Batang PBA Summer League last week. It was their second national crown and fourth, including two NCR championships – all under Herrera.

Jolo Mendoza, who clinched his second MVP trophy this summer, led all scorers with 29 points. John Vincent Gallego had 27 points while Fran Louie Yu scored 11 of his 13 points in the third.

Powerade Batang Bacolod defeated Powerade Batang Cebu, 69-56, to clinch third place honors in the tournament for 9-12 years old.

Junel Nacpil led Batang Derby Ace-Caloocan with 24 points. Patrick Cagara turned in 19.