PBA: Patrick Gardner wastes no time fitting in with Meralco

Meralco Bolts import Patrick Gardner during a game vs TNT Tropang 5G in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 4. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Patrick Gardner barely had time to rest before suiting up for the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Fresh off a heartbreaking loss in the Japan B.League B2 Finals, Gardner quickly packed his bags after getting the call to replace Marvin Jones as Meralco’s import.

The result was a 101-90 win over TNT Tropang 5G on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum, tying the best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2.

Patrick Gardner after producing 20 points and 13 rebounds despite fouling out in Meralco’s Game 4 win over TNT. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/qVGnsZh12x

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“We recently just made it to the (B.League B2 Finals) championship but lost then I went here,” bared Gardner at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

“This kind of happened very quickly and I thought it’d be a great opportunity for me to play in a country like this with such huge basketball fans.”

Just days after feeling the sting of a title loss, Gardner found himself with another opportunity to compete for a championship — this time in the PBA.

In his debut, the 25-year-old import delivered a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Gardner, however, fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Still, the Bolts’ locals held their ground to knot the series anew.

Asked about his debut, Gardner said he was less concerned about the numbers and more focused on helping Meralco get the win.

“I’m just happy we won the game ultimately,” he said. “It’s my first game here so I thought that was the most important thing.”