MANILA, Philippines—Meralco’s Chris Banchero treated the Bolts’ outing against Northport as a measure of where the squad is as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs race intensifies.

The Bolts boosted their playoffs bid after convincingly defeating the top-seeded Batang Pier, 111-94, on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium,

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Banchero played like it was just another day at the office for Meralco but deep down, he used that match against the league’s best as a barometer for where Meralco stands in the import-laden conference.

READ: PBA: Meralco turns back league-leading NorthPort

“It was a very important game for us. I was very excited to play Northport tonight because they were playing the best in this conference so we really wanted to see where we’re at as a team,” said Banchero.

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“I thought we responded well tonight and we did a very good job.”

Banchero, who struggled with a torn hamstring in the first half of the tournament, scored a conference-high 26 points plus six assists, four rebounds and a steal for good measure to snap the Batang Pier’s two-game winning streak.

The Bolts’ floor general also helped the Bolts keep their footing in the quarterfinal race with a 6-3 record.

However, Meralco is stuck in a three-way tie for the fourth seed with Ginebra and guest team Eastern, which both hold identical records.

That’s exactly why Banchero was satisfied with passing the tough test that was Northport.

“I think it’s really good for us to go against these tough and top teams because it’ll prepare us for the Playoffs and we need that,” Banchero said.

Meralco will continue to be tested on Saturday when they go on a Philippine Cup Finals rematch against San Miguel Beer in Candon, Ilocos Sur.