Meralco Bolts’ Chris Banchero during a game against NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Meralco’s Chris Banchero treated the Bolts’ outing against Northport as a measure of where the squad is as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs race intensifies.
"This series is not just about the two teams playing; it's about reviving the spirit of hockey in Delhi. We hope this will inspire more young players from the region to take up the game," Harmanpreet stated in a press release issued by Hockey India.
ng slotHockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.
The Bolts boosted their playoffs bid after convincingly defeating the top-seeded Batang Pier, 111-94, on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium,
Article continues after this advertisementBanchero played like it was just another day at the office for Meralco but deep down, he used that match against the league’s best as a barometer for where Meralco stands in the import-laden conference.
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“It was a very important game for us. I was very excited to play Northport tonight because they were playing the best in this conference so we really wanted to see where we’re at as a team,” said Banchero.
Article continues after this advertisement“I thought we responded well tonight and we did a very good job.”
Article continues after this advertisementBanchero, who struggled with a torn hamstring in the first half of the tournament, scored a conference-high 26 points plus six assists, four rebounds and a steal for good measure to snap the Batang Pier’s two-game winning streak.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Bolts’ floor general also helped the Bolts keep their footing in the quarterfinal race with a 6-3 record.
However, Meralco is stuck in a three-way tie for the fourth seed with Ginebra and guest team Eastern, which both hold identical records.
Article continues after this advertisementThat’s exactly why Banchero was satisfied with passing the tough test that was Northport.
“I think it’s really good for us to go against these tough and top teams because it’ll prepare us for the Playoffs and we need that,” Banchero said.
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Meralco will continue to be tested on Saturday when they go on a Philippine Cup Finals rematch against San Miguel Beer in Candonofa168, Ilocos Sur.
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