MANILA, Philippines – In a 76 to 72 victory over Meralco at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, BARANGAY Ginebra won the 2023 Batang PBA 12-Under Division title.

The Batang Gin Kings, captained by Simon Jacob Jazul, drew ahead early but had to stave off a fierce comeback by the Batang Bolts in the last seconds to win the knockout match.

In the other knockout final, Purefoods overcame a 23-point deficit to defeat Blackwater Red President, 91 to 87, to win the 14-Under division.

Carl Anthony Songco scored 16 points for Blackwater, Lawrence Rameses Luna scored 10, Neil Ysach Garcia scored 10, and Ryle Santino Gimaranga scored nine.

Ginebra concluded its season with a perfect 6 to 0 record thanks in large part to the game-high 21 points scored by RJ Jazul, a veteran guard and son of Phoenix.

The Batang Gin Kings jumped off to an early 27 to 10 lead thanks to the contributions of Zion Carlo Aguilar (18 points), Jeff Dominic Juangco (11 points), Elvin McCoy Pascual (9 points), and Richmond Marcus Gonzales (8 points).

The game was still in Ginebra’s favor, 67 to 51, but Meralco was able to retake the lead when they abruptly lost their momentum. With two minutes remaining, a 17 to3 run highlighted by Rye Teodor Villaruz’s outback brought the Batang Bolts within 68 to 70.

Ginebra concluded its season with a perfect 6 to 0 record thanks in large part to the game-high 21 points scored by RJ Jazul, a veteran guard and son of Phoenix.

The Batang Gin Kings jumped off to an early 27 to 10 lead thanks to the contributions of Zion Carlo Aguilar (18 points), Jeff Dominic Juangco (11 points), Elvin McCoy Pascual (9 points), and Richmond Marcus Gonzales (8 points).

The game was still in Ginebra’s favor, 67 to 51, but Meralco was able to retake the lead when they abruptly lost their momentum. With two minutes remaining, a 17 to 3 run highlighted by Rye Teodor Villaruz’s outback brought the Batang Bolts within 68 to 70.

The results:

Initial Game: 12-Under

Villaruz 16, Meralco 72, L. Mindanao 10, Purugganan 10, and I. Albino 2, Francisco 2, Pazcoquin 1, Stehmeier 0, Torroba 0, Rivera 0, Purugganan 9, Poquiz 9, Delos Reyes 6, Ylen 4, Mercado 3, and Albino also 2