PBA: Meralco keeps pace in crowded quarterfinal chase

Meralco Bolts coach Luigi Trillo during a game in the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco knows anything can still happen, even as it gained ground in the wild chase for the three remaining quarterfinal spots in Group B of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup.

The Bolts came away with a 120-115 win over the Blackwater Bossing on Tuesday to climb into fourth with a 4-5 record going into the final group stage match against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

“Magrarambulan pa yan [and] everybody plays everybody,” said Trillo. “But at this point, we need to control what’s in front of us, which is Phoenix.”

They face the Fuel Masters on Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo, and another win may give the Bolts some comfort zone in the quarterfinal chase.

Magnolia remains the only team already assured of the quarterfinals, leading the pack in Group B with a 6-3 record while Phoenix and Rain or Shine are tied for second at 4-3.

Behind Meralco are Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater with similar 3-5 slates with each having two games left.

Import Jordon Varnado came through once more for the Bolts, this time with 31 points to stay unbeaten after two games since returning from injury.

Veterans Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge were also instrumental for Meralco in preventing Blackwater from completing a victory despite being down by 20.

“If you look at Blackwater’s games, they’re all close ones so give credit to them,” Trillo said. “But we got this W and we move forward to the next.”