Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo lauded the performance of import Jordon Varnado in his debut game, helping the Bolts arrest a four-game slide in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

Varnado recovered from a hamstring injury and made an immediate impact for a team struggling in the race for a top four spot in Group B.

He finished with 31 points, including key baskets in the home stretch to keep Barangay Ginebra at bay, 97-88, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Just everything,” Trillo said when asked about the most commendable contribution of his reinforcement.

“I think, you know, coming into a situation like that, that’s very hard for Jordon because it’s his first game back.”

Varnado is the original import of Meralco but the injury he sustained during practice delayed his debut as Antonio Hester took over as temporary reinforcement.

“You know, he’s been out of his rhythm, but I thought he made a lot of big shots down the stretch. And, you know, he’s a warrior. He likes to take up to the challenge,” Trillo said.

“When he had five fouls, he wanted to guard the important guys on the other side. But the one thing I noticed with him is he brings a lot of dimensions to his game. He can put the ball on the floor. He can hit the three. We become a quicker team, right?” he added.

“So, Hester and him, both good. Just different players all around.”

Now with a 3-5 mark, the Bolts are within striking distance of the top four behind group leader Rain or Shine (4-2), Magnolia (4-3), Phoenix (4-3) and Blackwater (3-3).

“Yeah, I’d just like to thank the team for believing in me. You know, it’s been hard, been rough for us these past couple of weeks. But we’re going to continue to fight,” Varnado said.

Meralco will return to action against Blackwater on 13 October.