PBA: New import Jordan Varnado powers Meralco past Ginebra, ends four-game skid

New import Jordan Varnado led Meralco past Barangay Ginebra, 97-88, on Friday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win snapped the Bolts’ four-game losing skid ahead of the conference break as the national team prepares for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games.

Varnado delivered 31 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks in his debut.

After a tight opening period that saw Meralco take a 21-20 lead, the Bolts pulled away in the second quarter to take a 49-41 advantage at halftime.

Meralco continued to hold off Barangay Ginebra in the second half, with the Gin Kings trimming the deficit to single digits at 92-84 with 1:10 remaining.

Varnado then drilled a three-pointer before sinking one of two free throws after being fouled by Riley Grigsby to help seal the victory. Grigsby hit a four-pointer with six seconds left, but Varnado answered with another split from the line to put the game away.

Aside from Varnado, Chris Newsome added 18 points as Meralco improved to 3-5.

Grigsby led Barangay Ginebra with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal, while RJ Abarrientos had 21 points as the Gin Kings slipped to 3-3.

Scores:

Meralco 97 – Varnado 31, Newsome 18, Hodge 13, Quinto 10, Brickman 8, Bates 6, Black 4, Cansino 4, Maliksi 3, Mocon 0, Banchero 0.

Barangay Ginebra 88 – Grigsby 34, Abarrientos 21, J.Aguilar 12, Rosario 6, Holt 5, Thompson 4, Torres 3, Gray 3, Cu 0, Abis 0, Pinto 0.

Quarters: 21-20, 49-41, 69-61, 97-88.

—JKC, GMA News