PBA: Meralco turns back league-leading NorthPort

Meralco Bolts' Chris Banchero during a game against NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Meralco Bolts’ Chris Banchero during a game against NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES

Meralco took down NorthPort on Tuesday, dealing the top-ranked Batang Pier a reality check as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup enters a frenetic phase.

The Bolts fashioned a 111-94 victory at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on the shoulders of import Akil Mitchell and Chris Banchero, who turned in his finest outing in this tournament.

READ: PBA: Meralco bounces back, extends NLEX’s losing skid

“NorthPort’s been playing really good basketball. They’ve been taking down quality teams. And like some of the coaches said, they are the real deal. But I think today, we just played better defensively,” head coach Luigi Trillo said.

Mitchell had 30 points and 13 rebounds. Banchero added 25 points to go with four rebounds and six assists as the Bolts improved to 6-3 (win-loss) to match the records of Hong Kong, Converge, and Barangay Ginebra.

Import Kadeem Jack had 29 points and 14 rebounds, while Arvin Tolentino pumped in 19 points. Joshua Munzon and William Navarro had at least 11 each but their numbers weren’t enough against a Meralco squad that’s nearing full health, thus dropping to 7-2 in the derby.

Meralco battles San Miguel next on Jan. 18, while NorthPort goes up against Rain or Shine on Jan. 16.

The Scores:

MERALCO 111 – Mitchell 30, Banchero 25, Newsome 15, Quinto 8, Rios 8, Cansino 7, Mendoza 6, Caram 5, Almazan 4, Reyson 2, Pascual 1, Bates 0, Hodge 0, Torres 0

NORTHPORT 94 – Jack 29, Tolentino 19, Munzon 12, Navarro 11, Nelle 8, Onwubere 7, Miranda 5, Yu 3, Flores 0, Bulanadi 0, Taha 0, Cuntapay 0, Tratter 0

Quarterscores: 24-21, 54-44, 82-69, 111-94.

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