Jordan Murphy will be put to the test once again as he gets to experience the Manila Clasico for the first time when Ginebra and Magnolia figure in a PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup rematch later at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Eyes will definitely be on the new import, especially after impressing in his league debut by helping the Kings beat Rain or Shine last Friday.
The 29-year-old finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and four blocks in an impressive display of versatility, and many are looking to see if he’d be able to at least replicate as much against the Hotshots.
A replacement for Riley Grigsby, Murphy has been made aware of the storied rivalry and understands the hype, but it remains all business for him.
“They said that’s a really big rivalry game. Obviously for me, it’s a little different; I’m just trying to collect as many wins for these guys as possible, and help these guys get to where they want to get to,” the Minnesota Golden Gopher said.
“Whether it’s Magnolia or another team, it’s just another game that we have to go out there and get the dub,” he furthered.
According to Casino Plus sportsbook, Ginebra is favored to win with a -2.0 margin while the over/under is set at 190.5.
Win they must because Ginebra is still below .500 in the Group B standings with a 3-4 record, although they’ve barged into the Top Four, now sitting just behind leaders Magnolia (5-3), the Elasto Painters (4-3), and Phoenix (4-3).
(C) PBA Images
But of course, the Hotshots would also want to stay atop the standings. They’re coming into the 7:30 p.m.bout as the conference’s hottest team with a four-game winning streak, with their latest a 107-101 result against Blackwater.
Still, they know that challenging it would be difficult given the presence of Murphy, with Coach LA Tenorio having to adjust once more since it was Grigsby they prepared for in their previous encounter last August, when they won.
However, it’s not just the new guy they’re worried about; the brain trust is wary of how effective the locals are, led by RJ Abarrientos, which was evident in their conquest of RoS. Abarrientos himself poured 34 points and nine assists.
“Whoever it is, kahit sino pa import nila, that’s why they have a moniker of never say die. I know their locals will produce. Hindi ganoon kadali kahit sino pang import nila. Plus they have the crowd,” said the former Ginebra star.
Opening Sunday’s double-header at 5:15 p.m. would be Converge and Titan Ultra in a meeting between Group A teams, with the FiberXers hoping to stretch their winning streak to three against a side that’s in danger of being ousted.
According to Casino Plus sportsbook, Converge is favored to win at 1.20 odds on the moneyline, while Titan Ultra is the underdog at 4.49.
