NLEX vs. NorthPort was the last 3OT game in the PBA before the Meralco-Phoenix marathon in the Season 48 Commissioner's Cup.
The PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs couldn’t have started any better.
In what should be an early candidate for Game of the Season, Meralco won a 116-107 3OT marathon over Phoenix, forcing a do-or-die in their round 1 matchup.
[RELATED: PBA: Bong Quinto shines as Meralco wins 3OT marathon vs. Phoenix]
It was the 14th 3OT game in PBA history, per chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
Coincidentally, the last 3OT game came in the quarterfinals of an import-laced conference.
Four years ago, in a quarterfinals knockout between no. 1 NLEX and no. 8 NorthPort, the Batang Pier survived and advanced by way of a 126-123 win.
That game set some records, with NorthPort becoming the first no. 8 seed to beat a no. 1 since the 2012 Powerade Tigers.
Christian Standhardinger, who finished with 33 points, 23 rebounds, and seven assists, played 61 minutes and two seconds, which was the new local record for a local in the PBA. Standhardinger also then went on to win his first Best Player of the Conference award later in the conference.
The NLEX-NorthPort 3OT game likewise was awarded as Game of the Season by the PBA Press Corps.
But enough rambling though, let’s just relive the whole thing.
Grab your snacks, and your drinks. This is a long one.