The Meralco Bolts lit it up from three-point land in the final quarter to take down league-leader NorthPort, 111-94, last 14 January in the PBA 49th Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Aside from their fiery shooting, the Bolts' defense limited the usually high-scoring Batang Pier to their fewest points in a game this conference on the way to their sixth win in nine outings. The Bolts, now riding a two-game winning streak, is tied with Eastern and Converge FiberXers for third in the standings.
NorthPort dropped to 7-2, losing big less than a week after bringing down tournament favorite Barangay Ginebra.
The Batang Pier stayed in first place in the standings, and remained a win short of a guaranteed place in the quarterfinals, at least, for this game after missing the 100-point mark for the first time this conference.
Akil Mitchell tallied 30 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals, while Chris Banchero scored a conference-high 25 points in his fourth game with the Bolts in the Commissioner’s Cup after being hit by a hamstring injury.
"I tore my hamstring in the tune-up game against Blackwater. I had just a small tear in there, so you know the hamstring's always tricky," he revealed. "Thanks to Doc [Rich] Pasion for the good rehab as always to get me back stronger."
With Banchero firing on all cylinders, Meralco seized control early, building a double-digit lead in the second quarter and maintaining the momentum throughout the second half.
Their defensive efforts and timely scoring frustrated NorthPort, who struggled to find their rhythm.
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