MANILA, Philippines – At the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, the 2024 Batang PBA 11-Under tournament got underway on Wednesday. TALK ‘N Text, Phoenix, and PBA Stalwarts all decisively defeated their respective opponents.

The Tropang Giga crushed the Terrafirma Dyip, 77-59, in Group B. Theon Cruz and Thiago Cruz scored 12 and 11 points, respectively.

With eight more points from Maverick Romey, seven from Liam Jardin, and six apiece from Liam Yang and Ramos, TNT overcame an early 7–17 disadvantage thanks to a huge second-half avalanche.

The young players’ skill and potential were highlighted on the first day of the event, which featured the up-and-coming talent in the youth basketball scene. While Phoenix’s decisive victory highlighted their superior offensive capabilities and excellent teamwork, Talk ‘N Text’s thrilling comeback triumph showcased their tenacity and capacity to produce under duress.

In the other Group B game, Phoenix defeated San Miguel 69-37 behind 19 points from Cameron Richard Wilson.

Kendrick Henoguin and Prince Torio each scored nine points, while Jon Rafael Sannti Villarosa and Jaeden Laygo each scored ten points. Phoenix took an early 18-3 lead and won handily.

PBA Stalwarts defeated Meralco, 74–56, in Group A.

Ivan Ace De Leon led the charge for the Stalwarts with a burst of 21 points. Ares Loki Cruz had ten contributions, while Chelios Makin Sanchez and Brandon Latrell Estabillo each made nine. 

Barangay Ginebra defeated Blackwater 46-24 in the only 9-under game with 10 points from Curtis Tizon. 

Tiago Baracael scored four points to help Magnolia defeat Ginebra 7–4 in the 7–under halfcourt exhibition match.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial Meralco’s Chris Newsome, the MVP of the Bolts’ just concluded Philippine Cup Finals, teammate Raymund Almazan, and TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin attended a low-key opening ceremony to officially kick off the competition. 

Following the event, Newsome complied with requests for picture ops and autographed jerseys and game balls.

“I’ll see you in the PBA soon. But first, make sure you study well. Education is very important. Look up to your parents and say thank you. And last, you can be a good basketball player but make sure to be a better person. Enjoy the moment and I love you guys,” Newsome said to the audience.

Scores at the end of the matches:

First Game (11-UNDER)

PBA Stalwarts 74 points
Individual Scores: De Leon 21, Cruz 10, Estabillo 9, Sanchez 9, Pose 8, Oriel 7, Lemos 4, Ochoa 3, Roa 2, Ilaga 1, Arriola 0, Acta 0, Toscano 0, Viray 0. 

Meralco 56 points
Individual Scores: Evangelista 18, Samson M. 8, Samson R. 8, Pineza 4, Catubay 4, Galimba 4, Diaz 3, Azurin 2, Salinas 2, Tolentino 2, Mangahas 1, Benina 0, Del Monico 0, Co 0. 

Scores per quarter: 18-14, 32-23, 47-43, 74-56.

Third Game (11-UNDER)

Phoenix 69 points
Individual Scores: Wilson 19, Villarosa 10, Laygo 10, Henoguin 9, Torio P. 9, De Guzman 6, David 4, Gracilla 2, Mayoyo 0, Celis 0, Torio L. 0, Cabial 0, Pascua 0. 

San Miguel 37 points
Individual Scores: Apolega 13, Aglipay 4, Sanchez 4, Primo 4, Lassiter 3, Leodones 3, Mopera 2, Cunanan 2, Palisco 1, Go 1, Joson 0, Cruz 0, Arellano 0, Tajon 0. 

Scores per quarter: 18-3, 39-7, 47-23, 69-37

Fourth Game (7-UNDER) 

Magnolia 7 points
Individual Scores: Baracael 4, Cunanan 2, Saplala 1, Avelino 0, Del Monte 0. 

Ginebra 4 points
Individual Scores: Lazaro 2, Manuel 1, Estrada 1, Bustria 0, Marcial 0.

Fifth Game (9-UNDER) 

Ginebra 46 points
Individual Scores: Tizon 10, Centeno 8, Mesina 7, Lazaro 6, Topacio 4, Fernandez 4, Dapatnapo 3, Rubio 2, Navarro 2.

Blackwater 24 points
Individual Scores: Maninang 9, Quiambao 4, Caalim 3, Santiago 2, Formacil 2, Sese 2, Maximo 1, David 1, Lassiter 0, Abuy 0, Conde 0, Cabarte 0, Fabros 0, Gatchalian 0, Torres 0.

Scores per quarter: 6-8, 12-9, 38-18, 46-24.