Grigsby Step-Up Helps Ginebra Grind Out Victory Over Meralco

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Missing iconic franchise cornerstones Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson, Barangay Ginebra needed someone to anchor the frontcourt and carry the physical load against a relentless opponent.

Import Riley Grigsby answered the call.

Grigsby delivered a commanding all-around performance, leading the depleted Gin Kings to an 84-75 victory over the Meralco Bolts in PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup action Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Riley Grigsby led Barangay Ginebra with a dominant performance against the Meralco Bolts. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]

He posted a powerhouse line of 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal, serving as the steadying presence Ginebra required to survive a grueling battle of attrition.

Anchor in the Paint: Grigsby Stabilizes Depleted Gin Kings

With key offensive weapons sidelined, Grigsby stepped into the spotlight as the team’s reliable engine. Whenever Meralco threatened to chip away at Ginebra’s lead, Grigsby repeatedly quieted the opposition with crucial buckets and heavy rebounds in traffic.

Supported by RJ Abarrientos, who exploded for a season-high 27 points, Grigsby ensured Ginebra never relinquished control. After opening an 18-10 first-quarter lead, his poise down the stretch prevented Meralco from cutting the deficit closer than nine points in the final period.

“It’s an ugly win but we take it,” head coach Tim Cone said after the game. “We had to defend as best we can, grind it out. That’s what we did today—really grind it out. We had to rely on our best players to create, and they did, enough to create points tonight.”

Grinding Out Results: Ginebra Climbs Standings Ahead of Manila Clasico

The wire-to-wire victory pushed Ginebra to 2-2 in Group B, moving them into third place behind Phoenix (4-1) and Rain or Shine (3-2).

Meralco—playing without four rotation pieces, including CJ Cansino and Raymond Almazan—slipped to 2-3 despite a 24-point effort from Antonio Hester.

For Cone and the Gin Kings, surviving a depleted roster through sheer defensive execution and frontcourt muscle sets a resilient tone. Up next is a high-stakes Manila Clasico matchup against the Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday.

“Sticking their nose into it, grinding it out,” Cone added regarding his squad’s mindset. “Not pretty games by any means. Hopefully, we be more pleasing to the eyes as we progress.”