January 16, 2025

Meralco clashes with league-leading NorthPort in crucial PBA playoff push

Meralco clashes with league-leading NorthPort in crucial PBA playoff push
Akil Mitchell and Chris Newsome will look to lead the Meralco Bolts past the NorthPort Batang Pier in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

The Meralco Bolts are set for a critical showdown against league leaders NorthPort Batang Pier on Tuesday, January 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, as they look to strengthen their playoff position in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.

Sitting at 5-3, Meralco occupies seventh place and is coming off a morale-boosting 105-91 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors.

 

Head coach Luigi Trillo emphasized the need to replicate and elevate their performance against a red-hot NorthPort squad that boasts a league-best 7-1 record.

[ALSO READ: Brandon Bates a 'revelation' in Meralco's triumph over NLEX, says coach Luigi Trillo]

Akil Mitchell, the Bolts’ steady import, will lead Meralco alongside key locals Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Aaron Black, and Chris Banchero.

Mitchell’s ability to dominate the paint, coupled with Newsome’s all-around game and Quinto’s offensive versatility, will be critical in slowing down NorthPort’s balanced attack.

[ALSO READ: Ticking off my Bucket List: Chris Newsome reveals desire to do this death-defying activity]

Meralco faces a tall order in neutralizing Kadeem Jack and NorthPort’s deep local lineup featuring Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, and Fran Yu.

However, with renewed confidence from their recent win, the Bolts are determined to rise to the challenge and take a crucial step closer to the next round.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)

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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]


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