Meralco beats NorthPort 111-94 in PBA Commissioner's Cup

Meralco defeated NorthPort 111-94 in their PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup match on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Chris Banchero and Akil Mitchell led Meralco to victory with strong defensive play; Banchero contributed 25 points, while Mitchell recorded a double-double of 30 points and 13 rebounds.

Luigi Trillo, Meralco's head coach, emphasized that NorthPort had been playing excellent basketball but noted his team played better defensively on this occasion.

With the win, Meralco improved to a 6-3 record and dealt league-leading NorthPort its second loss of the conference for an identical 7-2 slate.

Akil Mitchell highlighted the importance of the match against the league's best as a barometer for where Meralco stands in the playoffs race and praised the team's response to the challenge.

The victory is seen by both Trillo and Banchero as crucial preparation for the playoffs, with Meralco looking forward to their next game against San Miguel this Saturday.