PBA: Varnado delivers as Meralco avoids 20-point collapse vs. Blackwater

Meralco Bolts import Jordon Varnado against the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. PBA Images.MANILA — Jordon Varnado made the right plays as the Meralco Bolts held off the Blackwater Bossing, 120-115, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Varnado finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks as the Bolts avoided squandering a 20-point lead to notch their fourth win in nine games.

“At least, we made a couple of basketball plays. A lot of heroes from us, and Varnado, nafe-feel niya na yung flow of what to do,” said Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo of Varnado, who assisted on Chris Newsome’s and-one at the 1:06 mark before delivering another crucial basket with a layup with only 27 seconds remaining.

Newsome added 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Bong Quinto chipped in 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists for Meralco, which sealed the win after Varnado went perfect from the foul line in the final seven seconds.

For Blackwater, Sedrick Barefield fired 31 points, five rebounds, and two steals as the Bossing even took a 111-109 lead before Varnado and Newsome took control in the endgame.

Kentrell Barkley followed with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Dalph Panopio also made key baskets during Blackwater’s comeback to finish with 10 points. However, their efforts fell short as the Bossing suffered their fifth loss in eight games.

Meralco 120 – Varnado 31, Newsome 24, Quinto 15, Hodge 12, Brickman 10, Mocon 9, Bates 7, Banchero 6, Cansino 6, Almazan 0.

Blackwater 115 – Barkley 31, Barefield 29, Ilagan 15, Paonopio 10, Una 9, Tratter 7, David 5, DiGregorio 3, Escoto 3, Murrell 3, Demusis 0, Austria 0, Cruz-Dumont 0, Mallilin 0.

Quarterscores: 32-36, 68-58, 97-86, 120-115.