Jordon Varnado made an immediate impact in his first game of the tournament, hitting timely baskets down the stretch to propel the Meralco Bolts past Barangay Ginebra, 97-88, and halt their four-game losing streak in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday, August 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sidelined earlier by an injury, the Bolts’ original reinforcement pick delivered a stellar 31-point performance in his debut.
His defining moment came via a clutch four-point shot that shut down Ginebra’s late comeback attempt after the Kings had trimmed a 12-point deficit to just three at 81-78.
Varnado also anchored Meralco’s defense, recording six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Chris Newsome provided strong support with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Cliff Hodge added 13 points and seven rebounds.
The crucial victory kept Meralco’s playoff hopes alive in Group B, improving their record to 3-5.
Meanwhile, Ginebra absorbed another setback to fall to 2-4 despite a dominant 34-point, 10-rebound effort from import Riley Grigsby.