GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME REPLAY
PASIG CITY – In a clash that could serve as a turning point for either side, the Meralco Bolts and NorthPort Batang Pier face off Friday night at the PhilSports Arena, both desperate to arrest downward spirals that have threatened to undo their promising starts to the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup.
Fast Starts, Sudden Slides
Both teams entered the season with momentum and strong opening wins. NorthPort launched its campaign with a commanding 97-75 win over Terrafirma, while Meralco pulled off back-to-back victories against Converge (91-89) and the same Dyip squad (118-80).
However, what followed for both clubs were worrying collapses.
NorthPort’s Troubles Multiply
After their rousing debut, NorthPort stumbled badly, suffering three straight blowout losses to Rain or Shine (96-113), Blackwater (98-120), and Barangay Ginebra (106-131). The absence of star forward Arvin Tolentino, sidelined by a right hip flexor injury, has exposed glaring weaknesses.
Making matters worse, the departure of import Kadeem Jack – a key figure during their strong Commissioner’s Cup run – has left the team scrambling for consistency and identity.
Meralco’s Momentum Fades
The Bolts, who lifted their first-ever PBA title in last season’s Philippine Cup, have likewise lost steam. After their strong start, they fell to elite competition in San Miguel (98-110), Phoenix (97-109), and ROS (116-128).
What’s troubling for Meralco is how their defense—once a cornerstone of their championship run—has been porous. The team is allowing opponents to rack up high scores, putting pressure on an offense that has not looked as sharp as it did last year.
Quarterfinal Stakes Loom
Both squads now sit at a crossroads. With the single-round robin eliminations reaching the halfway point, the urgency to break out of their slumps has intensified. The Top Four teams at the end of eliminations earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals—a massive reward neither team wants to miss out on.
While NorthPort eyes a repeat of its Commissioner’s Cup run, which saw them top the elimination round before bowing out to Ginebra in the semifinals, their hopes hinge heavily on Tolentino’s recovery and the team’s ability to adapt without Jack’s interior presence.
Interestingly, in that conference, one of NorthPort’s few elimination-round defeats came at the hands of Meralco, 94-111.
A Pivotal Matchup
The 7:30 p.m. matchup is more than just a regular-season game—it’s a lifeline. For Meralco, it’s a chance to rediscover the form that made them champions. For NorthPort, it’s a test of resilience amid injuries and roster adjustments.
With both teams eager to avoid falling further behind in the standings, fans can expect a high-intensity encounter between two squads with everything to play for.