MANILA, Philippines -- STREAKING Magnolia stakes its four-game winning run as it battles a revenge-seeking Barangay Ginebra in the main game of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Hotshots enter the game enjoying the solo lead in the Group B standings with their 5-3 card.
Magnolia eyes its fifth straight win and sixth overall against Ginebra in their 7:30 p.m. encounter.Mentored by LA Tenorio, the former Ginebra veteran playmaker, Magnolia looks to score a repeat of its 88-73 win in their first encounter on Aug. 2.Ginebra, however, is coming off a morale boosting 128-111 spanking of erstwhile leader Rain or Shine last Friday.That game saw RJ Abarrientos lead the attack with 34 points, laced by six triples.New import Jordan Murphy was also solid in his debut in a Ginebra uniform, firing 30 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, issuing seven assists, along with four blocks in an all-around effort.“We needed to come out, and we got Jordan in a couple of weeks ago. So he’s had time to immerse himself into what we do. And so... Jordan was great. He gave us a good lift, especially early in the game,” Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said after the team’s lopsided win.“We’re obviously pleased with the way Jordan [played]. What does Jordan do for us, he fills our hole. He’s that guy that can get a little in and out and rebound, defend. Really, he’s kind of he’s a complete player. So we just hope we can continue to build off this.”Meanwhile, the opening game scheduled at 5:15 p.m. features Converge (5-4), which battles Titan Ultra (2-7).The FiberXers completely outclassed the Giant Risers, 105-74.
