Jordon Varnado delivers late in Meralco win over Ginebra

Meralco Bolts’ Jordon Varnado during a game vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Jordon Varnado knocked down huge shots in his debut as Meralco took down Barangay Ginebra, 97-88, to stay in the hunt for a quarterfinals berth in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Varnado scored 12 of his 31 points in the final three minutes as the Bolts staved off the Gin Kings’ pesky comeback attempts to secure a much-needed victory that snapped a four-game skid.

Meralco improved to 3-5 behind Varnado, who was reactivated after playing the last six games with Antonio Hester.

He also had six rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks while staying in the game after shaking off what initially looked like a twisted ankle during a fastbreak situation.

It was an impressive showing by Varnado after sitting out Meralco’s opening assignment against Phoenix last month, prompting the team to tap Hester.

Chris Newsome posted 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals even as Cliff Hodge added 13 points and seven rebounds to put Meralco out of the cellar in Group B, jumping to fifth out of six teams in the standings.

Ginebra dropped to the bottom of the group at 2-4 despite 34 points and 10 rebounds from import Riley Grigsby and 21 points from RJ Abarrientos.

Scottie Thompson made his conference debut for Ginebra after recovering from a hamstring injury and finished with four points, six rebounds and five assists in 36 minutes.