Phoenix, Blackwater, Converge and Meralco topped their respective groups to advance to the Final Four of the 2024 Batang PBA-Centrum Kids 15-under tournament on Thursday, July 4, at the CCF Sports Center in Pasig.

The Batang Fuel Masters ousted Magnolia (1-3), 97-58, to complete a 4-0 sweep in Group A while second seed Batang Bossing, wrapped up their campaign at 3-1 after a 93-71 win over San Miguel Beer (1-2).

In Group B, the Batang Bolts smothered Ginebra (2-2), 73-51, to join Converge in the Final Four.

Meralco and Converge, both identical 3-0 record, dispute the top seeding in the final elimination playdate on Friday at the Amoranto Gym in Quezon City.

All players scored in Phoenix’s runaway victory led by Steven Usog with 17 points. Gadiel and Francis Castro added 12 each while Christian Dizon had 11 for the Batang Fuel Masters.

But the spotlight fell on Prince Cabog, who tallied a tournament record 40 points to show the way for Blackwater.

Juanito Garcia fired 16, Isaiah Regala had 12, while Jude Vidallo and Marcus Lim contributed 10 points apiece to lead a balanced attack by Meralco.

In other 15U games, Rain or Shine snapped a three-game losing streak with a 58-50 win over NorthPort behind the 17 points of Cohn Gavino.  The Batang Pier picked up its fourth straight loss in as many games.

Meanwhile in the 13-Under division, Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text clinched semis seats in Group A but will dispute the No. 1 spot on Friday.

Jordan Tagle and Richmond Pariñas scored 12 points each as Ginebra took down Phoenix (1-2), 58-36.

Lanca Yaya produced 16 points, Fritz Avillano added 12 while Prince Concepcion and Aleck Villahermosa chipped in 10 each in the Batang Tropang Giga’s 65-55 win over Converge (0-3).

Terrafirma (1-1) also stayed in contention in Group B with a crucial 77-60 win over Rain or Shine (2-1) as Meralco (2-1) shored up its semis bid with a 75-46 win over winless San Miguel Beer (0-2). (JBU)