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.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: PBA: Meralco bounces back, extends NLEX’s losing skid
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS Alex Eala reaches another career-high in WTA rankings SPORTS PBA: San Miguel Beermen looking to wriggle out of tight spot SPORTS Tyson Fury, former heavyweight champion, retires from boxing again“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.
Article continues after this advertisementImport 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.
Article continues after this advertisementMeralco battles San Miguel next on Jan. 18, while NorthPort goes up against Rain or Shine on Jan. 16.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Scores:
www 49 jili comMERALCO 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
"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.
Hockey 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.
Article continues after this advertisementNORTHPORT 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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