Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

5:15 p.m. — Magnolia vs Meralco

7:30 p.m. — Blackwater vs Barangay Ginebra

Bunched in a group where the unexpected teams are up and the perennial contenders are struggling, Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo knows that it’s only a matter of time before the balance of power tilts.

So, striking while the iron is hot is crucial in the Bolts’ bid to better their chances of advancing into the next round in a favorable position.

Meralco will be riding the crest of a back-to-back romp as it tries to extend its winning streak against listless Magnolia in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors’ Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tipoff time is set at 5:15 p.m. followed by Group B’s mainer pitting rebound-seeking teams Blackwater and Barangay Ginebra at 7:30 p.m.

The Bolts have already put their sorry opening-day loss behind and strung consecutive wins, including a close 116-114 victory over the Bossing last Tuesday.

Meralco turned to Chris Newsome to deliver the game-winning layup in the last three seconds to finish off Blackwater and tie its prey in second in the group standings behind Phoenix (3-1).

On the other hand, the Hotshots are down 0-2 at the cellar.

However, Trillo remains wary of Magnolia despite its early misfortunes.

“You look at our group, Phoenix, Blackwater. Those guys are, you think that they should be in the bottom of the standings. But our group’s baliktad. They’re the ones leading now,” Trillo said.

“And you know, you’ve got good teams like Magnolia and Rain Shine that are down. And you know, they’re better than their record stands.”

Meralco import Antonio Hester has been doing a great job for the Bolts despite a temporary role for injured Jordon Varnado, averaging a double-double of 23.0 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in two games since joining the team.

Magnolia will need to get its act together to snap out of its funk.

KJ Buffen is doing well as reinforcement but his double-double norm isn’t enough for the Hotshots to translate into victory.

A frustrating 86-98 loss to Phoenix after wasting a 16-point lead followed by an 81-89 loss to Blackwater, again despite establishing an 11-point buffer, buried Magnolia at the bottom.

Meanwhile, the Kings eyed a rebound from a 78-81 loss to Phoenix to begin their campaign.

It was a bad night for Ginebra as nothing went its way, and even head coach Tim Cone got ejected out of frustration with 1:07 left in the fourth and his team trailing by 10.

No Kings local reached double-figure scoring to help import Riley Grigsby, who provided some silver lining with his 42 points and 13 boards.

“I think our bench players were so much better than our starters. Hopefully, that will help turn things around for us,” said Cone, who expects a better showing from his crew already missing the services of injured Scottie Thompson and resident import Justin Brownlee.

It will be a test of character for Blackwater after its winning streak got snapped in the previous outing.

All eyes will be on import Kentrell Barkley and locals Sedrick Barefield and RK Ilagan as they lead the Bossing’s attempt to get back on the winning track.