Chris Banchero is simply electrifying, after coming up big for the Meralco Bolts in their late push during the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
Peaking at the right time are the Meralco Bolts.
Winners of their last three games, the Bolts are on an upward trajectory in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup, thanks to a string of big performances from a familiar face.
Chris Banchero became a key cog for the reigning Philippine Cup champions' late surge en route to being hailed as the Pilipinas Live-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of January 14-19.
The 35-year-old averaged 22 points, three rebounds, and four assists during that stretch, leading the Bolts to back-to-back wins against the NorthPort Batang Pier and the San Miguel Beermen.
Missing the first games of the conference due to hamstring issues, Banchero is slowly rediscovering his deadly form and it was in full display against the Batang Pier.
He posted conference-high 25 markers on a stellar 10-of-15 shooting vs the Batang Pier, before pouring 19 points in a key out-of-town victory over the Beermen.
“It's good to be back, it's always nice to be healthy," Banchero said in the aftermath of their 111-94 drubbing of the Batang Pier.
Already assured of the quarterfinals spot, Meralco is figured in a heavy pack of teams gunning for the two twice-to-beat incentives. The Bolts are currently tied for the 3rd-5th places at 7-3 alongside NorthPort and Eastern.
Meralco will wrap up their elimination round campaign against rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia.