MANILA, Philippines — Meralco relied on its consistent sniping from import Akil Mitchell, Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome to shoot down league-leader NorthPort, 111-94 in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Mitchell was a beast on both ends of the floor after finishing with 30 points and 13 rebounds, along with five steals.
On the other hand, Banchero sizzled with a conference-high 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor, while adding four rebounds and six assists against a NorthPort side that failed to contain him.
Newsome chipped in 15 markers, lacing his efficient scoring effort with 3-of-5 shooting from three-point zone.
The Bolts improved to 6-3 to force a four-way logjam at third spot with Eastern, Converge, and Barangay Ginebra in the standings.
On the other hand, the Batang Pier absorbed just their second defeat in nine games though the team stays at the top of the standings.
Kadeem Jack led NorthPort with 29 points and 14 rebounds, while Arvin Tolentino had 19, but shot just 4-of-11 from the floor.
Joshua Munzon scored 12 points, but he also struggled with his shots after goong 3-of-10, along with five turnovers.