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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Meralco seeks strong start vs fired-up Phoenix

Meralco seeks strong start vs fired-up Phoenix

Published Jul 14, 2026 02:30 pm

At A Glance

  • The Bolts, who were banking on familiarity when they reunite with import Jordon Varnado, eye a winning start against the Fuel Masters in their 7:30 p.m. duel.
Jordon Varnado, center, reunites with the Meralco Bolts. (File Photo/ FIBA)
Jordon Varnado, center, reunites with the Meralco Bolts. (File Photo/ FIBA)
Meralco seeks to test the mettle of Phoenix, which is coming off a strong showing in its first game, when they clash in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 15.
The Bolts, who were banking on familiarity when they tapped import Jordon Varnado, eye a winning start against the Fuel Masters in their 7:30 p.m. duel.
Raising the curtain is the 5:15 p.m. tussle between Converge and Terrafirma.
For Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo, the team is simply putting premium on the seamless adjustment especially with Varnado already familiar with the system. The 6-foot-7 American played for the Bolts in their stint at the Basketball Champions League Asia, where he averaged 19.7 points, 10 boards and 3.3 assists.
“He filled up the stat sheet and he’s in his prime. He’s quite skilled. He can hit the three, nice midrange pull-up, explosive, and runs the floor. Played in Europe and Italy. We’ve seen him up close. Hopefully, we continue the quality play,” Trillo said of Varnardo.
Out to give Varnardo a league welcome, however, are the Fuel Masters, who are coming off a morale-boosting 98-86 win over Group B favorite Magnolia.
Leading the charge for Phoenix was import BJ Johnson, who lived up to the billing with 34 points and 10 rebounds in their last game.
He also got ample support from the locals with Jason Perkins and Tyler Tio, who also delivered the goods in that win.
“The team gave me confidence. Green light to be aggressive,” Johnson said. “We’re a smaller team so everybody has to rebound. I just used my athleticism.”
Meanwhile in the opener, the FiberXers will get their first real test against the Dyip after the 105-74 demolition of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers.
After Terrafirma opened the conference with a 113-100 win over Titan Ultra, it almost pulled off a stunning upset against the still undefeated NLEX, 100-101.

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Meralco Bolts Phoenix Fuel Masters PBA Season 50
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