A conference-best performance from Chris Banchero typified Meralco’s return to form as the Bolts sank the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier, 111-94, to give its playoff hopes a big boost in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The veteran point guard unloaded 25 points to go with six assists and four rebounds as the Bolts proved to be already a playoff-ready team with their key pieces finally returning from several injuries.

And that was very much evident in the team’s defensive stand against the high-octane Batang Pier offense which, for the first time this conference, was limited below 100 points.

Meralco improved to a 6-3 record, forging a three-way deadlock with Eastern and Barangay Ginebra from fourth to sixth spots in the standings.

Akil Mitchell was also in his usual self with 30 points, 13 rebounds and five steals while Chris Newsome added 15 for the Bolts who got solid contributions all around their lineup in the big win.

While NorthPort import Kadeem Jack finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds, Meralco did a great job in limiting the dynamic duo of Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon who combined for a 7-of-21 shooting from the field.

Tolentino finished with 19 but most of it came from the foul line while Munzon only had 12 points and committed five turnovers although he tried to make up for it with eight rebounds and six assists.

NorthPort remained atop the standings although it slipped to a 7-2 record.