RJ Abarrientos leads Ginebra to 84-75 win over depleted Meralco

Barangay Ginebra reclaimed a victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup, defeating a shorthanded Meralco Bolts 84-75 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. RJ Abarrientos scored a game‑high 27 points, earning Best Player of the Game honors, while import Riley Grigsby added 25 points and nine rebounds. Meralco, missing key locals Bong Quinto, CJ Cansino, Jason Brickman and Raymond Almazan, were limited to 75 points; import Antonio Hester posted 24 points and 18 rebounds.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone praised the team’s defensive effort and noted that the offense is still developing. He highlighted Abarrientos’ willingness to assume a larger role in the absence of Scottie Thompson. The win moved Ginebra to a 2-2 record in Group B and set up a Sunday showdown with Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.