PBA: Meralco recovers in time to escape Blackwater's comeback

Jordon Varnado powered Meralco to a much-needed win against Blackwater. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Meralco got back in its winning form just in time, overcoming a huge Blackwater rally for a 120-115 win in a pivotal PBA Governors' Cup battle on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Bolts seemed to be on track to give the Bossing a crushing defeat as they led by 20 points 86-66 midway through the third quarter.

However, Blackwater slowly fought back and came just close to pulling off the upset as it led 113-111 with 1:47 to go.

Meralco went on a 7-0 run to give the lead back to them 118-113 with 27.3 seconds left, but Sedrick Barefield still did not give up and scored two free throws to bring the lead back to three with 13.8 seconds left.

The Bossing nearly forced a turnover after cornering Jason Brickman near the halfcourt and sidelines, but the Bolts still got the ball back after the referees deemed that the ball hit Nick Demusis' foot before going out.

Jordon Varnado, who had a heated moment with Demusis earlier in the fourth quarter, hit two free throws to ice the game.

Varnado finished with 31 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks without a turnover to lead Meralco, which moved up to fourth place in Group B at 4-5.

Chris Newsome added 24 points, going 9-for-18 from the field, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block.

Barefield led Blackwater, which dropped to a tie with Ginebra for fifth place in Group B at 3-5, with 31 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one block.

Kentrell Barkley added 29 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block.